Alexandria residents will have new options for disposing of their pumpkins, gourds, and squash starting November 1. The city is encouraging sustainable practices by offering two main methods at local farmers’ markets.
Residents can donate intact, unpainted, and uncut pumpkins, gourds, and squash to ALIVE! Alexandria. These donations will be used to help feed local families. Alternatively, all jack-o’-lanterns and similar items—regardless of condition—can be dropped off at Food Waste Drop-Off Stations for composting. Items brought for composting should not contain candles, wax, or non-compostable materials and should be cut into small pieces if possible.
Drop-off locations are available on weekends during November 1-2, November 8-9, and November 15-16. The sites include Old Town Farmers’ Market (301 King St.), Del Ray Farmers’ Market (Corner of East Oxford & Mt. Vernon Avenues), Four Mile Run Farmers’ Market (4109 Mt. Vernon Ave.), West End Farmers’ Market (4800 Brenman Park Drive), Old Town North Farmers’ Market (901 North Royal St.), and The Market at Southern Towers (4901 Seminary Rd.). Hours vary by location but generally fall between Saturday or Sunday mornings and early afternoons.
For those with curbside compost collection service in Alexandria, one pumpkin or similar item may be placed out per week with the regular bin pickup.
Further information about the program can be found at alexandriava.gov/go/4299.
Residents who need interpretation or translation services can request assistance by emailing LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or calling 703.746.3960.
