Location: McHenry County College · 8900 Northwest Highway · Crystal Lake, IL 60012

McHenry County residents are invited to bring their pumpkins, jack-o’- lanterns, ghoulish gourds and mummy mums to be composted on Saturday November 4, 2023 at McHenry County College’s Green Living Expo .

The McHenry County Department of Health, in coordination with MCC, University of Illinois Extension, and Heineman Middle School Environmental Club, will be hosting a pumpkin smash composting event in the McHenry County College’s parking lot, 8900 Northwest Hwy Crystal Lake, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. , or until the composting container is filled.

Residential pumpkins, gourds, mums and corn stalks will be accepted.  All non-biodegradable items used to decorate these items, such as candles, glow sticks, ribbon, googly eyes and more, must be removed prior to the fall décor being placed in the dumpster. Painted pumpkins are acceptable. 

 By composting, we remove waste going to the landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a great natural fertilizer.

 For additional information, please contact Kelli Boeckmann, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager, at (815) 334-4585. 

Registration is not required but is appreciated. Registration can be done here.