Get rid of your pumpkins with these free pumpkin composting events in Minnesota, including the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Compost, don’t trash!
With Halloween quickly approaching and the weather cooling down, many of us have pumpkins on our porches. It’s a fun fall tradition to pick out your favorite pumpkin and possibly carve or paint them!
Once you’re done with your pumpkins, it’s a good idea to dispose of them by turning them into compost vs. tossing them in your garbage can.
If you’re in a rural area you can always leave them out for wildlife to eat or give them to a neighbor with pigs, chickens or goats who would like it as a treat. (Make sure there is no paint or wax first!)
If you don’t have that option and don’t have a compost bin at home, you probably have a place near you that will accept your pumpkin for compost.
You’ll need to make sure you remove any candles or wax beforehand and note that most places do not accept painted pumpkins.
Pumpkin Composting and Recycling Events in Minnesota for 2026
Here are some pumpkin composting events and locations we could find in Minnesota for 2026. Many of these also have coordinating family activities so you can have a little fun when you drop off your pumpkins! Some even help you to SMASH your pumpkins on the way to composting.
Anoka: November 1st – 8th
Brooklyn Park: November 1st – 9th
Burnsville: November 1st- 8th
Dakota Valley Recycling (Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville): October 31st, November 1st – 8th
Duluth: November 7th
Edina: November 4th
Farmington: November 7th- 8th
Inver Grove Heights: November 6th- 9th
Lakeville: November 1st – 8th
Mendota Heights/West St. Paul (also Lilydale, Mendota, South St. Paul, and Sunfish Lake): November 7th and 8th
Plymouth: November 1st -16th
Shakopee: November 2nd – 15th
Washington County: October 31st – November 16th
There are likely other events around the state. Many communities are starting to offer compost sites that are open year-round, so check with your local city if you need a place for your pumpkin. Sometimes farmers in rural areas will take them if they are animal-safe.
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Laura is a kindergarten teacher and a busy mom of six who loves finding smart ways to save. She balances teaching and family life while always hunting for deals that make life more affordable and fun.
Originally from southern Minnesota, Laura has called the Twin Cities home for over fifteen years. In her rare free moments, she enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and savoring a hot cup of coffee.
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