NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Houston 

Mark Wilfalk, Director
Solid Waste Management Dept.

John Whitmire, Mayor
City of Houston

Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD)
4th Annual Pumpkin Compost Drop-Off

HOUSTON — October 9, 2024: The City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department, in partnership with Council Member Sallie Alcorn, is excited to announce the return of the 4th Annual Pumpkin Composting Drop-Off program, now with expanded locations and extended hours. This program offers a convenient way for Houston residents to compost their holiday pumpkins, reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

From November 1 to December 6, 2024, residents can drop off their retired jack-o-lanterns, whole pumpkins, seeds, and pumpkin pulp at the following locations:

City of Houston Reuse Warehouse
9003 N. Main St., Houston, TX 77022
Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(Open every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Westpark Recycling Center
5900 Westpark, Houston, TX 77339
Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.

   Download program flyer.

Please ensure all costumes and decorations are removed from pumpkins before drop-off to allow for proper composting.

“Pumpkin composting is one of my favorite traditions in Houston”, says Council Member Sallie Alcorn. “This year's pumpkin composting program marks another milestone in our city’s journey towards a more sustainable future. I encourage all Houstonians to take advantage of the program this year.”

Last year, the program collected and composted over 16,000 pounds of pumpkins. With expanded drop-off locations and extended hours this year, Solid Waste Management Department Director Mark Wilfalk is optimistic about the program’s growing impact.

“We’re excited to see how much more we can collect this year,” Wilfalk stated. “This annual program offers a great opportunity for Houston residents to engage in composting, and we hope to see it continue expanding as we pursue additional funding for composting initiatives.”

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ABOUT HOUSTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides the city with integrated municipal waste management services designed to support environmental health, sustainability, and economic development in all communities throughout Houston.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at @houstonsolidwaste, follow us on X @HoustonTrash. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again! Call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.