Two municipal centers will be receiving pumpkins Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The service is free and does not require registration or identification.
Updated October 26, 2026.
Houston is giving away Halloween pumpkins for free to convert them into organic compost from October 24 to November 28, 2026. The municipal program has two drop-off sites, located at 9003 N. Main St. and 5900 Westpark, and is available to city residents.
The Houston Public Works initiative, in collaboration with Councilmember Sallie Alcorn, allows pumpkins to be repurposed after Halloween instead of sending them to landfills. Whole pumpkins, carved pumpkins, pieces, seeds, and pulp are accepted, as long as they are free of decorations and artificial materials.
Two centers receive pumpkins Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The two municipal facilities have the same hours during the program:
Houston Reuse Warehouse
Address: 9003 N. Main St., Houston, TX 77022.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Westpark Recycling Center
Address: 5900 Westpark, Houston, TX 77057.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Both sites will accept pumpkins through Saturday, November 28. Deliveries must be made within the hours established; leaving materials outside the facilities when they are closed is not allowed.
Pumpkins must be delivered without paint, candles, or decorations
Houston accepts whole or carved pumpkins, as well as seeds, pulp and other pumpkin pieces. Ornamental pumpkins and other similar fruits, such as certain types of winter squash, are also accepted, provided they are natural and have no decorations.
Before depositing them, you must remove:
- Candles and wax remnants.
- Paint and glitter.
- Stickers and adhesive tape.
- Plastics and other artificial decorations.
Pumpkins must be placed directly into the designated containers, without bags or boxes. The containers used to transport them must be emptied and removed.
The program accepts only household waste. Each household can deliver up to an amount equivalent to the load of a pickup truck box. No commercial loads are accepted.
Delivery is free and does not require identification
Pumpkin composting is free for residents of the City of Houston. No appointment, prior registration, identification, or proof of address is required.
Pumpkins should not be placed in residential recycling containers, as the city does not accept them through that service. Intake is conducted exclusively at the designated program drop-off points.
The conditions of the city’s pumpkin composting program include accepted materials, hours, and delivery limits.
The centers will close on November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin intake will be suspended on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Both centers will resume intake on Saturday, November 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the last day of the 2026 program.
Houston has recovered more than 63,000 pounds of organic materials through this initiative since 2022, according to city figures.
The Houston 311 service handles inquiries about the program and other solid waste services at 713-837-0311.
