The Santa Maria Utilities Department is hosting its 5th annual Pumpkin Smashing Event, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center parking lot, 510 E/ Park Ave., Santa Maria.

Admission and parking are free. 

“This event offers a fun way for the community to divert pumpkins from the landfill by providing a drop-off location for composting,” the city said.

Multiple targets and pumpkin bowling will be available.

Participants are encouraged to bring leftover pumpkins and gourds and throw them into a collection bin (provided by Engel & Gray/Harvest Blend Compost). All pumpkins and gourds must be free of inorganic materials such as candles and other decorations.  

Educational and promotional items for event attendees and complimentary kitchen pails for collecting food waste will be available for all Santa Barbara County residents.

For those who can’t attend the Pumpkin Smashing Event, pumpkins and other food waste may be placed into the residential organics cart for collection.

Whole pumpkins may also be donated as animal feed.

Additional pumpkins will be available for smashing at the event while supplies last.

Direct questions to the Utilities Department, 805-925-0951 ext. 7270.