Pumpkin Smash returns to Millerton to promote composting

MILLERTON — Halloween may be in the rear view mirror, but don’t toss those pumpkins just yet.

In partnership with McEnroe Organic Farm, the North East Climate Smart task force will host its annual Pumpkin Smash at Eddie Collins Park on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. The family-friendly event aims to help community members dispose of their pumpkins in a fun, eco-friendly way.

Attendees can enjoy cider and donuts, a beer tent hosted by Willa, and kids’ sack races with prizes organized by the 175th Committee, whose members will be on hand to answer questions about the village’s milestone birthday bash planned for July.

The main attraction will be a life-sized slingshot — engineered by task force member Andrew Stayman — that will launch pumpkins of all sizes into the air for a satisfying smash.

“Our number one priority is to have fun,” said Climate Smart task force coordinator Kathy Chow. “We will also introduce people to Climate Smart concepts, especially composting.”

Chow says the annual Pumpkin Smash is intentionally held two weeks after Halloween so people’s pumpkins are “nice and mooshy.”

The smashed pumpkins will be hauled away by McEnroe Organic Farm for use in their composting operation, which was established in 1987. “We compost material from our own farm, our local food waste drop-off site and sources from New York City and the surrounding Northeast region,” said Olivia Skeen, McEnroe’s development and communications manager. “Each year we process around 8,000 cubic yards of food waste — roughly the size of 220 school buses.”

While the event is meant to offer a bit of post-Halloween fun, Chow said the need for composting is serious. Nearly a quarter of everything sent to landfills is food waste, making it the largest contributor to municipal solid waste. As it decomposes, it emits methane, a greenhouse gas that Chow says is roughly 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Farms like McEnroe’s help divert waste, sequester carbon, improve soil health, reduce erosion and manage stormwater. “The nutrient-rich compost we produce supports our farm’s organic crops, fruits, vegetables, herbs and our free-range beef cattle,” said Skeen. “Our commitment to climate resilience is at the core of everything we do, from growing the food we eat to educating the public on sustainable practices that help protect the environment for future generations.”

Composting won’t be the only Climate Smart topic discussed at the event. Chow said the task force will also be on-hand to educate village residents about their recently installed water meters. “We will share all types of clever tips and tricks about understanding water consumption,” she said. “And how people can save water and money.”

Drop off your food scraps at McEnroe’s and help reduce landfill waste

McEnroe’s household food waste drop-off site is located in the parking lot of its market, 5409 Route 22, Millerton, where three bins are available for anyone in the community who wants to participate.

“It’s an easy and convenient way to ensure your food scraps don’t end up in a landfill,” said Skeen. She added that no plastic or compostable bags should be used, as they don’t break down in the composting process.

Skeen also recommended freezing food waste until drop-off. “This helps reduce any odors and makes it even easier to drop off your waste when it’s convenient for you,” Skeen said. “We’re here to make it as easy as possible to reduce waste and help the community embrace a more sustainable way of living.”