Trash Talk

Shannon Thompson

Did you know over 1 BILLION POUNDS of pumpkins end up in landfills across U.S. every year? You cannot toss them into your regular compost piles with your grass clippings and leaves. Pumpkins are considered food waste and need to be disposed of differently.
The Take Jack Back program in Clay County, MN has composted over 333,000 pounds (167 tons) with Doubting Thomas Farms since 2016! Doubting Thomas Farms is a fifth-generation organic farm ran by Noreen Thomas and family, along with volunteers and interns. Pumpkins are high in nitrogen helping the growth and production of oats on their farm. Doubting Thomas Farms distributes their organic oats in our community to local businesses!
Moorhead: 700 15th Ave N (Public Works Facility), 23rd St S & 40th Ave (South Side Reg. Park)
Dilworth: 600 Center Ave W
Georgetown: 127 Main
Glyndon: 22 3rd St SE
Oakport: Compost Site
Hawley: 716 Front St
Hitterdal: By the Water Tower
Barnesville: 205 Front Street N
Sabin: 6 Main St
Ulen: 108 NP Ave West

Composting bins will be labeled and located at your local recycling drop sites from November 1st to November 14 for Clay County residents! Locations listed below:
Pumpkin items that are NOT compostable: Candles, artificial lighting or any other decorations that are in/attached to the pumpkin including: stickers, ribbons, glitter, paint and candle wax, will need to be REMOVED. These things contain harmful chemicals that DO NOT break down during the composting process. They contaminate the soil and cause many problems for the microorganisms in the soil, farmers and wildlife. First, CUT AWAY sections of the pumpkin that are covered in these items. Next DISCARD them in the trash. Then you can PROPERLY COMPOST the remainder of the pumpkin!
For more information check out our website: https://claycountymn.gov/1280/Take-Jack-Back