The Park City Community Foundation, Park City School District, Summit County, Park City Chamber, and Momentum Recycling are partnering again to collect fall pumpkins to prevent them from entering the Summit County landfill, according to an October 20 statement.
Students, families, and community members are invited to drop off pumpkins from Oct. 31 through Nov. 13 at various locations, including several elementary and high schools, the Park City Library, and the Park City Visitor Information Center.
Drop-off locations for the pumpkin collection include Jeremy Ranch Elementary School, Parley’s Park Elementary School, Trailside Elementary School, McPolin Elementary School, Ecker Hill Middle School, Park City High School, Park City Day School, Little Miners Montessori School, Park City Library, Park City Visitor Information Center, Park City Heights Clubhouse, Recycle Utah, and the Summit County Library – Kamas Valley Branch.
Before dropping off pumpkins, all paint, glitter, and other decorations must be removed. Additionally, Park City MARC will host its Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 12 to 2 p.m., and any pumpkins remaining after the event will be composted.
The composting effort is funded through the Park City Community Foundation’s Zero Food Waste initiative, which aims to keep all food waste out of Summit County’s landfill by 2030. Food waste currently accounts for nearly half of the space used in the Summit County landfill.
Last fall, the community composted 20,720 pounds of pumpkins, contributing to a total of nearly 90,000 pounds composted since 2023. Composting these items helps save money and reduces methane emissions.
Local food-related businesses can participate in the Zero Food Waste Business Incentive to receive up to nine months of free food waste pickup through Momentum Recycling. Supported by Summit County, the incentive covers startup fees, collection bins, and on-site staff training, providing a value of up to $3,000. Spots for this program are limited.
Interested businesses can find more information at parkcitycf.org/zero-food-waste-business-incentive or by contacting Victoria Schlaepfer, Climate Fund Manager, at victoria@parkcitycf.org.
