On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Sustainability Subcommittee hosted Acton’s very first “Pumpkin Smash” at the DPW Facility. About 35 attendees and 10 staff stopped by with their own leftover pumpkins and other gourds or to help carry the bright orange orbs during the two hour afternoon event.
Environmental Analyst Lauren West and Andrea Becerra, Sustainability Director, smash the first two pumpkins to kick off the event. Photo: Alissa Nicol
Black Earth Compost has held pumpkin smash events around the state for the past few years to divert these and other gourds from the trash. In 2023, the company diverted 22 tons. This year, two dozen events in towns and cities were scheduled, including neighboring Lincoln, Lexington, Groton and Harvard.
Three generations participate in the Pumpkin Smash. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren WestComposting leftover Halloween pumpkins and decorative squash has many environmental benefits. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren WestAnother technique employed by a few attendees, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the resulting catharsis, was to use a large stick to smash the pumpkin sitting on the pavement. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren WestMany threw their pumpkins up in the air, watching them break open as they landed on the pavement before tossing the pieces into the truck. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren WestFamilies stopped by after school on the early release Wednesday, and some brought their own tools and gear: a hammer, safety goggles, or rubber boots. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren WestA particularly recalcitrant pumpkin that didn’t crack when dropped on the pavement required some help from a shovel. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren WestStaff from the Conservation, Engineering, Highway, and Sustainability departments were on hand to share information on Acton’s many environmental programs and projects, as well as refreshments that included cider, hot cocoa, donuts and cookies. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren WestThe truck from Black Earth Compost is loaded up with all the smashed pumpkins delivered by attendees. Photo: Alissa Nicol/Lauren West
Alissa Nicol is a community events beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.
Lauren West is an environmental analyst for Acton.
