LA Compost’s Annual Pumpkin Smash

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Smash it, Toss it, Compost it!

Five Locations Throughout LA

NOV 7 - 29, 2025

Join LA Compost and partners for free community Pumpkin Smash events across LA!

Bring your pumpkins to a local compost hub, where we’ll smash, toss, and break them into pieces to add to our compost piles. You can also stick around to volunteer, meet our composters, and explore the hub. Everyone is welcome. Help us turn your pumpkins into healthy soil!

Why Smash Your Pumpkin?

It is estimated that 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins in the U.S. are sent to landfills after Halloween, where they release harmful methane gas that contributes to global warming.

Composting your pumpkin nourishes the Earth, reduces waste, and supports a healthier environment.

Smash, chop, or break your pumpkin and add it to our compost piles. You’ll cut down on landfill waste and give your pumpkin the chance to return to the Earth!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • At this event, it is encouraged to BYOP (bring your own pumpkin). However, if you don’t have a pumpkin, you are more than welcome to observe or share with a fellow attendee.

  • No, we cannot accept pumpkins with paint, glitter, or any non-organic materials. Since your pumpkin will be composted and returned to the earth, it must be free of these items before drop-off.


  • Pumpkin smashing can get messy! Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toed shoes. We’ll provide safety goggles to protect your eyes. No additional supplies are needed.

  • All ages are welcome to observe at our Pumpkin Smash events! Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants are required to sign a waiver before smashing pumpkins.

  • We accept pumpkin drop-offs during event hours. You don’t need to stay or smash your pumpkin to participate.

  • Absolutely! Even after the Pumpkin Smash events, you can drop off your pumpkin at any LA Compost Food Scrap Collection site. We accept pumpkins year-round to add to our compost piles.

Upcoming events:

Check out all of our Pumpkin Smash events and attend an event near you!