Each year, Illinois State Universities office of Sustainability holds a pumpkin drive. The purpose of this drive is to collect ISU students old pumpkins and compost them. When doing this, the soil can be used to grow new plants.
On average, a pumpkin can take up to 20 years to fully decompose. Instead of this they are taken to a facility where they are broken down and used for nutrient rich soil. This way, they are fully breaking down into the earth, and in a shorter amount of time.
The pumpkin compost drive runs through the end of November and any pumpkins that have no paint, glitter, and stickers on them are welcome. Even though Halloween is over these pumpkins are not done making an impact, so stop by and make your difference for the environment!