Instead of throwing away those old pumpkins after Halloween, residents can recycle them for free at Geneva’s Pumpkin Smash Saturday, Nov. 8.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Community Gardens at Prairie Green, located at Peck and Bricher roads. The Pumpkin Smash, sponsored by the City’s Natural Resources Committee and the Geneva Park District, is designed to reduce the number of pumpkins ending up in landfills. Park District crews will till the smashed pumpkins into the garden plots to provide nutrients to the soil.

All pumpkin decorations, such as candles, yarn hair, stickers, googly eyes, and plastic accessories, should be removed before recycling.

Food and warm drinks will be available for purchase from local vendors during the event.

The Community Gardens at Prairie Green is a cooperative partnership between the Geneva Park District, the City of Geneva, and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. The Park District offers 131 rental plots and gardening classes to the community.

Garden plots are open from dawn until dusk between April and October. Each plot is 20 feet by 30 feet.

Returning gardeners from the 2025 season can sign up for their same plot next year starting Monday, Dec. 1. New gardeners may register for available plots beginning Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. More information is available on the Park District’s website.

People can learn more about the Natural Resources Committee by visiting the City’s website.