Pumpkins, gourds and Jack-O-Lanterns should not go in your regular trash. Instead, use these free resources to compost them.
- Place them in your curbside yard waste pickup bin.
- Bring them to the Yard-Waste and Construction Debris Drop-Off.
- Add them to your backyard compost bin.
- Bring them to our annual Pumpkin Collection event. The 2025 collection event is Saturday, November 1 through Sunday, November 2 at the Dakota County Highway Shop (900 County Rd 47). All pumpkins brought to this event are brought to Ries Farm and used for hog food.
Remember to remove any candles, wax, or non-pumpkin material before you compost your pumpkin. Painted and glittered pumpkins are also not accepted. These must go in the trash.