Village of Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz | Village of Mundelein
Village of Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz | Village of Mundelein
Local residents in Mundelein have the opportunity to go green after Halloween through the SWALCO Pumpkin Smash program. The program aims to compost pumpkins and reduce waste, according to a Village of Mundelein Facebook post.
The Mundelein Park District and SWALCO will collaborate to compost pumpkins in the program, which will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. Community members can participate by bringing their pumpkins and placing them in the back of dump trucks parked in the Spray Park parking lot at 1401 N. Midlothian Road, as stated in the Facebook post.
It is important that all materials are removed from inside the pumpkins, including candles and decorations, before they are composted. Pumpkins are composed of 90% water, making them beneficial for the soil. The nutrient-rich gourds help nurture the soil. However, when pumpkins and other organics break down in landfills, they contribute to a significant release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, according to the Village of Mundelein Facebook post.
Composting pumpkins through the SWALCO Pumpkin Smash program not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a sustainable way to dispose of Halloween decorations. By participating in this program, Mundelein residents can play a role in protecting the environment and promoting a greener community.