October 31, 2022

The 2022 Great Pumpkin Rescue in Oxford County


Learn more about the annual pumpkin drop-off and this year's contest


Great Pumpkin Rescue posterOxford County is home to the Great Pumpkin Rescue!

Almost 2.2 million tonnes of edible food is wasted each year in Canada. Instead of going to waste, pumpkins, squash and gourds can be repurposed into community meals and feed for livestock.

Rescue your pumpkins, squash and gourds after Halloween by diverting them from the landfill at several drop off locations in Oxford County from November 1-5 at the following locations.

  • Woodstock Enviro-Depot, 944 James St, Woodstock, ON N4S 0B5
  • Tillsonburg Transfer Station, 50 Newell Rd, Tillsonburg, ON N0J 1H0
  • Woodstock Farmers’ Market, 875 Nellis St, Woodstock, ON N4S 8Z9 (Note: This location is on November 5 only, 7:00 a.m. to noon.)
  • The Smith’s 70 Glenn Avenue, Sweaburg, South-West Oxford, ON N4S 7V6
  • Greener Pastures Eco-Farm 774766 Oxford Rd 14, Woodstock, ON N4S 7W3
  • Good Nature Eco Farm, 135148 13th Line, Thamesford N0M 2M0
  • Purses and Things, 584592 Beachville Road, Beachville, ON N0J1A0.
  • Little Hobby Hill Farm, 333624 Plank Line, Salford ON N0J1W0
  • Little Fields Farm, 867207 Township Rd 10, Bright, ON N0J 1B0
  • Kiwanis’ Community Garden, 108 Wonham Street South, Ingersoll, N5C 3V2

Unpainted, untainted pumpkins only please, without wax, metal or plastics that cannot be consumed by livestock.

Join the Facebook event

 

Your chance to win!


Show us how you’re achieving zero pumpkin waste spirit and win!

Select “Going” for the Great Pumpkin Rescue 2022 Facebook Event and post a photo of how you repurposed your pumpkins to the “Discussion” page the between November 1-5.

Those who take part will be eligible for a random draw of one of two $50 gift certificates from one of the local green businesses featured in the Transition to Less Waste “Zero Waste Shop Hop”: Plant Inspired Kitchen, The Soulful Spoonful, and Jarful Local Refillery.

Please note: By uploading your own photograph you consent to participate in the event and have your photo shared as part of the page. If you are posting photos including children, you are certifying that you are the parent or person legally appointed the guardian of the individual, a minor person under the age of 18 years, and grant consent for the child/ward’s photo or image to be posted to the page. Photos posted under “Discussion” for the contest may be shared to the main page with notice. Winning entrants consent to have their submission shared to Facebook. Please use Messenger to contact the page with any questions.

 

Background


The Great Pumpkin Rescue started organically by local farmers and environmentalists who wanted to rescue discarded pumpkins, squash and gourds after Halloween from the landfill. The group shares information, promotes and coordinates other uses for pumpkins, including uses for:

  • Home recipes
  • Community meals
  • Donations to local soup kitchens
  • Feed for pigs, goats and chickens

The Great Pumpkin Rescue Facebook page offers tips and suggestions for using, repurposing, donating and composting your used Halloween pumpkins, squash and gourds, as well as fantastic recipes.