The Santa Maria Utilities Department is hosting its fourth annual Pumpkin Smashing Event, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Rotary Centennial Park parking lot, 2625 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Admission and parking are free.
Participants may bring any size and quantity of pumpkins and gourds and throw them into a collection bin (provided by Engel & Gray/Harvest Blend Compost). Multiple targets and pumpkin bowling will also be available.
The event offers a fun way for the community to divert pumpkins from the landfill by providing a drop-off location for composting. 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.
If unable to attend the Pumpkin Smashing Event, pumpkins and other food waste may be placed into the residential organics container for collection.
Residents who have whole pumpkins can consider donating them as animal feed before bringing them to the event for composting.
Additional pumpkins will be available at the event while supplies last. Direct questions to the Utilities Department, 805-925-0951 ext. 7270.