Don’t let food scraps haunt the landfill this October. Learn proper ways to recycle food scraps and join in the City of SLO’s first ever Pumpkin Smash on November 1 at Emerson Park!
As the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, they are brewing up some frightfully fun ways to keep the City cleaner and greener. In this first edition of the City’s Solid Waste & Recycling Program’s Newsletter, they’re excited to share some great resources aimed at helping the community reduce waste by recycling food scraps. They are bringing you helpful tips and tricks on how to keep food waste out of your trash bin and into the green bin. Plus, don’t miss out on the debut of the Pumpkin Smash Event.
Food scrap recycling tips & tricks
Organic waste like food scraps, yard waste and food-soiled paper in the landfill contributes to San Luis Obispo’s climate pollution. By using the green bin, one can preventing these contaminants from becoming emissions and help the City reach climate action goals!
The City’s Solid Waste & Recycling Program is thrilled to launch a brand-new video series designed to help the community become a waste-wise champion! This series includes information about how to use the green bin, how to avoid contamination in the recycling stream and how to reduce waste.
Here is their first video, Food Scrap Recycling: Tips and Tricks, to learn how to start a food scrap recycling program at home or work. Stay tuned for future newsletters to catch the rest of the series!
Join the first ever Pumpkin Smash
Get ready to smash some pumpkins, San Luis Obispo! Gather your friends and bring your old, carved pumpkins to the City’s first-ever Pumpkin Smash on November 1, 2024 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Emerson Park. This free, family-friendly event is packed with fun for everyone, including a pumpkin toss, compost giveaway, composting demonstrations, lawn games, food trucks and more!
The goal is to prevent pumpkins from going to the landfill in the most entertaining way possible—by tossing or smashing them into a giant green waste container! Also know that pumpkins can be tossed in your green bin at home.
To volunteer, please visit volunteer.slocity.org.
Learn how to reduce Halloween waste
Over 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown in the trash after Halloween each year. Here are some ways to sustainably reuse and dispose your Halloween pumpkins.
- Pumpkin puree: Pumpkin flesh can be pureed and used in soups, pies and more.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds: You can save the pumpkin seeds and roast them for an easy and healthy snack! Season with salt or use pumpkin/apple pie spice for a sweet snack.
- Compost: Pumpkins are accepted in San Luis Obispo County’s organics waste stream, so dispose of them in the green bin, backyard compost them, or bring them to the Pumpkin Smash.