Missoula Pumpkin Program to Divert Waste to Livestock

Missoula residents can help repurpose Halloween pumpkins as livestock feed through a new community collection initiative.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Organic Food

Missoula Pumpkin Program to Divert Waste to Livestock

Live Poll

Should your community implement local programs to divert food waste from landfills?

This November, Missoula residents can participate in a community program to repurpose spent Halloween pumpkins as livestock feed. The initiative, a partnership between Soil Cycle and Turner Farms, diverts organic waste from local landfills.

Why it matters

Diverting food waste from landfills reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas produced when organic matter decomposes in oxygen-poor environments. This partnership offers a practical, sustainable alternative for managing seasonal pumpkin waste in the Missoula area.

The initiative utilizes organized community drop-off locations to facilitate the logistics of waste diversion. The total volume of diverted pumpkin material remains to be determined by community participation levels.

The players

Soil Cycle

A local organization focused on waste diversion and composting initiatives in Missoula.

Turner Farms

A local agricultural operation that utilizes pumpkin waste as a component of livestock feed.

The details

Soil Cycle manages the infrastructure by providing centralized collection points where residents can drop off their pumpkins. Once collected, these pumpkins are transported to Turner Farms, where they are integrated into the livestock diet throughout November. This process shifts organic material from the waste stream to a beneficial agricultural application, serving as a nutrient source for the farm's animals.

• November 2026: Collected pumpkins are transported to Turner Farms for feed.

Health Landscape

This effort aligns with broader circular economy strategies that aim to minimize landfill contributions. By converting waste into animal nutrition, the program reflects an evolving approach to sustainable community health and resource management.

Residents can contribute to reduced landfill waste by utilizing the designated Soil Cycle drop-off sites this November. Contact the organizations directly for specific collection schedules and approved pumpkin conditions.

The takeaway

Repurposing seasonal produce into animal feed serves as a practical way to support local agriculture and improve community sustainability. Check local community guidelines in November to ensure your pumpkins are clean and free of decorations or paint before dropping them off.