Jack-O-Lanterns Not Allowed in Food Waste Bin, Ohio Puts Up Pumpkin Drop-Off Stations

Because Columbus City, Ohio, prohibits the disposal of jack-o'-lanterns in the food waste bin, officials established drop-off locations for fall-season pumpkins and other gourds.

Jack-O-Lanterns and Fall Season Pumpkin Drop-Offs

Columbus residents, after their Halloween festivities, can dispose of carved pumpkins, gourds, and yard signs through the City's drive-thru drop-off locations. These eco-friendly services aim to prevent landfill waste and yard waste contamination.

Pumpkins and gourds can be dropped off at Columbus Refuse Collection transfer stations (2100 Alum Creek Drive, 1550 Georgesville Road, and 4260 Morse Road) on November 4, November 25, and December 2, from 8 AM to 1 PM. All pumpkins, carved or uncarved, including moldy ones (without candles), are accepted. However, pumpkins with paint or permanent marker decorations are not.

Yard signs can be recycled at the Alum Creek Refuse Collection station (2100 Alum Creek Drive) on November 11, from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) will also host a yard sign recycling event at the Bill McDonald Athletic Complex (4990 Olentangy River Rd) on the same day, from 8 AM to noon. All yard signs with metal stands are accepted for free. Paper signs without metal stands can be recycled in blue residential bins.

Jack-o-lanterns, fall-season pumpkins, and gourds should not be taken to the city's food waste drop-off sites to reduce contamination. The City of Columbus has established dedicated drop-off locations for these specific items.

These services reflect the city's commitment to environmental responsibility and offer a convenient and sustainable way for residents to dispose of seasonal items without harming the environment.

Food Waste Drop-Off

In August, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and the Department of Public Service introduced three new food waste drop-off locations for Columbus residents. These sites are part of a pilot program aimed at reducing the daily 1 million pounds of food waste sent to the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. The program allows residents to dispose of food scraps at no cost.

The city's Climate Action Plan sets a target to reduce organic waste, particularly food waste, at the county landfill by 90% by 2050. Accepted items include fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, meat, seafood, coffee grounds, and more, which residents can place in their household buckets and bring to the drop-off locations.

RecyColumbus: That Blue Recycling Bin at Home

Central Ohio residents and businesses collectively produce a substantial amount of waste, averaging 9 to 10 pounds per person each day, with half ending up in the County landfill. Maximizing recycling, composting, and waste diversion is crucial due to limited landfill space.

For proper disposal in the blue cart, residents should flatten paper and cardboard; remove straws from plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups; remove aerosol tips of metal cans and cups; and rinse and remove lids from cartons. Lids from bottles and the like are accepted, as well as all colors of glass bottles and jars.

Items including Plastic bags, wraps, or film; batteries, propane takes, or other flammables; tanglers such as hoses, wires, chains, clothing, or electronics; and plastic or foam plates and other food containers are not allowed in the blue container.

No sorting is required for the blue recycling bin. Residents are to simply put all their recyclables in the blue cart. Dirty recyclables, such as un-rinsed jars, are also not allowed in the blue cart.