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Compost centre hosts great pumpkin smash

An estimated 730 tonnes of pumpkins go into the landfill every year.

Where do Jack-o’-lanterns go to die?

If the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre has its way, discarded gourds will go straight into the compost.

With an estimated 730 tonnes of pumpkins going into the landfill every year, the compost centre hopes its eighth annual Pumpkin Smash offers a fun alternative to the garbage.

“It is a really great way to end the Halloween holiday and illustrate to kids about recycling and proper disposal of pumpkins,” said compost centre executive director Nadine Collison. “Most (pumpkins) are grown for decoration and not for food … It is a great way to do something environmentally friendly and green.”

The fun part starts with pumpkin bowling for the kids, and the pumpkin smash for adults. The latter involves taking your pumpkin and a baseball bat into a bin and releasing any pent up frustration without fear of getting in trouble.

Smashings takes place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Nov. 5, at the Cloverdale and Fairfield Thrifty Foods as well as at the Admirals Walk and Hillside locations on Nov. 6.

Ellice Recycling will have drop-off bins at 524 David St. and 605 Canteen Rd., Nov. 1 to 5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are really excited. This is our eighth year and we’re close to getting to 100 tonnes,” Collison said. “With the new drop-off locations, we feel we can get to that (amount) this year.”

For more information, visit compost.bc.ca

editor@saanichnews.com



Arnold Lim

About the Author: Arnold Lim

I'm an award-winning photojournalist, videographer, producer, and director.
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