West Hartford Residents: Your Aging Pumpkins Can Become Compost And Bio-Fuel
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An organics container for pumpkins has been put into place at the West Hartford Public Works facility at 17 Brixton St. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
The Town of West Hartford is collecting pumpkins through Dec. 1 at two different locations.
By Ronni Newton
Jack-O-Lanterns have had their night in the spotlight, and while residents may be tempted to toss them into the trash along with the other aging pumpkins that have been munched on by squirrels or other creatures, the Town of West Hartford has some suggestions for more environmentally friendly alternatives who can’t compost the pumpkins in their own yards.
The Department of Public Works has once again deployed organics barrels at its Brixton Street facility as well as at Westmoor Park to provide a more convenient drop-off location for those who live in the north end of town. The barrels will remain in place through Dec. 1, weather permitting.
“In 2023, West Hartford residents diverted 25,000 pounds of pumpkins from the waste stream. Interesting fact: it is 30% cheaper to dispose of food scraps and organics than trash,” West Hartford’s Department of Public Works said in an email.
Pumpkins can be composted in your own backyard as well, but organic material should not ever be placed in recycling bins, nor should it go into the trash. West Hartford Recycling Coordinator Katherine Bruns urges those who can’t compost in their backyard to please drop-off pumpkins in one of the pumpkin containers.
The pumpkins collected by the town will be sent to Quantum Biopower in Southington where they will be turned into valuable compost and bio-gas. Food waste and organics are dense and heavy, and composting them will cut down on the amount of trash being sent to incinerators, and also cut down on the energy needed to burn the heavy material.
While pumpkins are often enjoyed by squirrels, those dropping off at Westmoor Park are asked not to feed pumpkins to the farm animals.
Plastic bags, as well as any other trash or recyclables, should not be included with the pumpkins. While painted pumpkins are okay, all candles must be removed.
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