Hastings launches pumpkin composting programme for third year

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 23:31 · Archive

Hastings, Nebraska is collecting unwanted pumpkins and gourds for composting to keep them from landfills.

The City of Hastings is collecting unwanted pumpkins and gourds for composting through a partnership with Conservation Nebraska and SmartSoil. A drop-off container is positioned on the south side of Aquacourt Water Park's parking lot at 2200 W. Third Street. Collection runs 1-3 November and again 28-29 November, the weekend after Thanksgiving.

SmartSoil, based in Grand Island, receives the pumpkins and transforms them into compost for gardening and farming use. The initiative aims to keep organic waste out of landfills, where decomposing pumpkins release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Conservation Nebraska estimates more than a billion pumpkins are discarded across the United States annually.

This is the third year for the Hastings event. More than 20,000 pounds of pumpkins and gourds were collected last year. Tony Herrman, public information manager for the City of Hastings, said the programme 'gives the public an opportunity to get rid of pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns and gourds that are kind of rotting and falling apart' and represents 'a beneficial way, where they become compost and can be given second life'.

How it is being reported

• Pumpkin compost collection returns to HastingsA drop-off container at Aquacourt Water Park in Hastings accepts pumpkins and gourds for composting.1011Now · 1 Nov, 23:14
• Pumpkin compost collection returns to HastingsA drop-off container at Aquacourt Water Park in Hastings accepts pumpkins and gourds for composting.WOWT · 1 Nov, 23:14

In this story: Hastings · Conservation Nebraska · SmartSoil · Aquacourt Water Park · Grand Island · Tony Herrman

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