Pumpkin Drop-off

The annual Pumpkin Drop-Off provides residents with a sustainable option to leaving jack-o-lanterns out as bear attractants or throwing them in the trash. Pumpkins that end up in landfills break down slowly, releasing greenhouse gas emissions in the process. Pumpkins and fruits from the Drop-Off are donated to local farmers and ranchers for use as animal feed. Leaves are composted. Please ensure pumpkins and fruits are free of candles, wax, paint and bleach and that leaves are unsprayed.

The 2021 Pumpkin and Leaf Drop-off takes place Monday, Nov. 1 and Tuesday, Nov. 2 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at: 

  • La Plata County Fairgrounds
    2500 Main Avenue in Durango (Drive to the dirt lot on the east side of the Fairgrounds complex)
     
  • Pine River Shares
    658 South East Street in Bayfield 

Volunteers are needed for the event. Two- and three-hour shifts are available. Sign up here. 

2021 Pumpkin and Leaf Drop off

2021 Pumpkin & Leaf Drop-off Partners:

CSU Ext Logo
Pine River Shares
Good Food Collective
BearSmart Logo

2021 Drop-Off:

The 2021 Pumpkin Drop-off took place in Durango and Bayfield on the November 1 & 2 where 430 pumpkins were donated weighing in at 4,167 lbs. in total. Enough leaves were dropped off that there were too many to count, but will be diverted for compost in the near future. Thank you to everyone who participated including the partners above to make the event happen!

2020 Drop-Off:

The 2020 Pumpkin Drop-off took place in Durango and Bayfield on the November 1 & 2 and diverted 3,300 lbs of pumpkins, 200 lbs of apples and over 1,650 cubic feet of leaves from landfill. Pumpkins and apples were donate to local farmers and ranchers for use as animal feed while leaves were collected by Table to Farm Compost.

2019 Drop-Off:

722 pumpkins weight almost 6,000 lbs donated to local farmers and ranchers, 52 bags of leaves diverted for compost.

2018 Drop-Off:

300 pumpkins donated to local pig and cattle farmers and 180 bags of leaves collected for compost.