Don’t trash it - Here’s where your pumpkins should go

Pumpkins picked from Browns Farm in Barrie, Ont. (CTV News/Luke Simard)

Now that the jack-o’-lanterns have flickered their last candle, the City of Barrie is reminding residents that old pumpkins can head straight into the green organics cart, not the garbage.

This week, the City highlighted how the new organics carts have plenty of room to toss pumpkins inside, but decorations, candles, or any non-organic material must be removed first. Spoiled fruits and vegetables from the garden can also be added in.

“All food scraps, leftover produce, and pumpkins are welcome in the organics cart,” the City said. “Just make sure to keep out plastics, decorations, or other non-compostable items.”

Residents are reminded that only the new organics carts will be collected at the curb. Smaller, manually collected green bins, sometimes called “kitchen catchers,” are no longer accepted for pickup.

The City says to make sure the cart stays secure, residents can lock the lid by turning the dial on top to the lock position. If it doesn’t catch properly, the City suggests lifting the lid and shutting it firmly while the dial remains in the locked setting.

Barrie’s organics program accepts a wide range of materials, including:

• Food scraps and leftovers
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Paper plates, napkins, and tissues
• Meat, bones, rice, and dairy products
• Garden produce like pumpkins and fruit
• Pet waste in certified compostable bags

Items that can’t go in include plastic bags (even if they say biodegradable), yard waste, diapers, or recyclables. Yard waste such as leaves and branches must still be placed in paper yard waste bags for separate collection.

To line your kitchen container, the City says you can use paper bags, newspaper, or compostable liners marked with an approved certification logo. Popcorn or pet food bags without plastic liners and small boxboard containers also work.

Residents can find a full list of acceptable materials and answers to common questions through the Waste Item Lookup Tool on the city’s website.