How to dispose of Halloween pumpkins and stay green this weekend
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Christmas planning is moving full steam ahead while many of us are still eating Halloween candy.
We typically associate orange and black with Halloween, but a Chicago nonprofit wants you to make it greener.
Their message: don't trash your pumpkins - smash them.
The group Plant Chicago is hosting one of several pumpkin smash events this weekend.
They say rotting pumpkins emit methane - a contributor to greenhouse gas.
Pumpkins brought to pumpkin smashing events will be composted.
Plant Chicago is partnering with the University of Illinois Extension, which is partnering with various sponsors for events at five locations in Cook County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday:
- Plant Chicago, 4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
- Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S Ingleside Ave, Chicago, IL 60619
- Lake View High School, 4015 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
- Morton School of Excellence, 431 N Troy St, Chicago, IL 60612
- First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights IL *this event starts at 9 am*
Addison-based SCARCE also is hosting several pumpkin collection events in DuPage County on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. You can find a location near you on their website, scarce.org.
Before bringing your old jack-o-lanterns to a pumpkin smashing event, you should remove all candles, wax, and other decorations. Pumpkins painted with acrylic paint will be accepted, but not those painted with oil-based paints.