Pumpkin disposal after Halloween 2026: can pumpkins go in yard waste in your metro Detroit town?

In towns that take them, pumpkins go out with your yard waste on your regular pickup day in early November 2026, inside a paper yard waste bag or a marked yard waste can (not loose, and not in leaf piles). In 11 towns, the city or its yard waste program names pumpkins as accepted; in 15 more, the yard waste rules cover garden or plant waste. Brownstown Township, Dearborn, Ferndale and Westland don't take pumpkins in yard waste, and Grosse Pointe and Wyandotte have already ended yard waste pickup for the year. Take out candles first and keep painted pumpkins out.

Last checked Oct 16, 2026 · 72 towns in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties

Pumpkins and yard waste by town (A–Z)

Town	County	Yard waste cart OK?	Notes
Allen Park	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names leaves and grass clippings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In cans or paper compost bags, under 50 lbs; no plastic bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Auburn Hills	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper yard waste bags or a stickered container up to 32 gallons, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Berkley	Oakland	Yes Published	Don't put pumpkins in leaf rows in the street; the city lists them as yard debris for bags or cans. How: In a paper yard waste bag or a can at the curb (no tags needed). Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Birmingham	Oakland	Yes Published	SOCRRA, which runs Birmingham's yard waste program, accepts pumpkins seasonally. How: In a kraft paper yard waste bag or a can with a Yard Waste decal, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Bloomfield Township	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names grass clippings, garden weeds, leaves and trimmings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper yard waste bags or a can marked Yard Waste or Compost, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Brownstown Township	Wayne	No Published	Brownstown's WM yard waste program excludes pumpkins, apples, garden foods, straw and corn stalks. Source
Canton Township	Wayne	Yes Published	Canton lists "yard and garden waste (including pumpkins)." How: In a 30-gallon paper yard waste bag or a labeled 32-gallon can, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Center Line	Macomb	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city accepts plant materials. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In brown paper bags or a can up to 35 gallons with a free COMPOST sticker. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Chesterfield Township	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In an approved yard waste bag or your own container. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Clawson	Oakland	Yes Published	SOCRRA, which runs Clawson's yard waste program, accepts pumpkins seasonally. How: In a brown yard waste bag or a stickered yard waste can up to 35 gallons. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 16. Source
Clinton Township	Macomb	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The township accepts garden clippings. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In paper bags or a labeled container under 50 lbs; no plastic bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Commerce Township	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or loose in a container up to 35 gallons, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 4. Source
Dearborn	Wayne	No Published	Dearborn says pumpkins and other organic seasonal decor go in the gray trash cart, not yard waste. Source
Dearborn Heights	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names grass clippings, leaves, shrubs and brush trimmings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper bags or an open container up to 35 gallons, under 50 lbs; 10-bag limit. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Detroit	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names leaves, grass clippings, shrubs and twigs, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In biodegradable paper bags or a can labeled yard waste; no plastic bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 19. Source
Eastpointe	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names leaves, lawn cuttings and shrub and tree trimmings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In biodegradable bags or a container up to 35 gallons, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Ecorse	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a marked 32-35 gallon can. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Farmington Hills	Oakland	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	RRRASOC's rules for the city cover "other vegetative yard debris." Pumpkins aren't named. How: In paper yard waste bags or a stickered container up to 35 gallons. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Ferndale	Oakland	No Published	Ferndale lists pumpkins as not acceptable in curbside yard waste. Use the city's Pumpkin Plop drop-off instead. Pumpkin event: Pumpkin Plop: drop off real pumpkins Oct 30 to Nov 9, 2026 at the dumpsters in the Kulick lot (1201 Livernois) or the southeast corner of Martin Road Park (1615 E Lewiston). No painted or artificial pumpkins, hay bales, corn stalks, yard debris, food waste or candles. Source
Fraser	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In brown yard bags, a labeled container up to 35 gallons, or a Priority yard waste cart. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Garden City	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In a 32-gallon can with a Yard Waste sticker or a kraft yard waste bag. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Grosse Pointe	Wayne	No (season over) Season over	Bagged yard waste pickup ended Oct 8, 2026. Fall leaf pickup (Oct 12 to Dec 3) takes raked leaves only, so don't add pumpkins to leaf piles. No pumpkin rule is published. Source
Grosse Pointe Farms	Wayne	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city accepts garden waste. Pumpkins aren't named. The city says pickup ends "around November, depending on the growing season," so check it's still running. How: In paper yard waste bags or a 32-gallon can with a yard waste sticker; no loose material. Source
Grosse Pointe Park	Wayne	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city accepts garden trimmings and dead garden plants. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In paper bags or a 32-gallon can (no lid) with a red-and-white yard waste sticker; carts aren't accepted. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Grosse Pointe Shores	Wayne	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city collects "yard clippings and garden rubbish" until the Friday closest to Nov 30. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In paper yard waste bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 4. Source
Grosse Pointe Woods	Wayne	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city accepts garden waste. Pumpkins aren't named. Don't add them to leaf piles in the street. How: In paper yard waste bags or a 32-35 gallon can labeled yard waste or compost, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 10. Source
Hamtramck	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper bags or any can 35 gallons or smaller. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 4. Source
Harper Woods	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a 32-gallon container marked yard waste. Last yard waste pickup: Nov 27. Source
Harrison Township	Macomb	Yes Published	The township lists apples, pumpkins, corn cobs and husks as yard waste. How: In a marked 35-gallon can or a 30-gallon paper yard waste bag, under 50 lbs; 15 bags a week max. Source
Hazel Park	Oakland	Yes Published	The city lists Halloween pumpkins as yard waste. How: In a paper yard waste bag or a can with a yard waste decal. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Highland Park	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In yard waste bags; up to 10 a week (20 in leaf season). Last yard waste pickup: Nov 27. Source
Highland Township	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a container marked yard waste, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 4. Source
Independence Township	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The township has no yard waste program; curbside yard waste depends on the private hauler you hire. Ask your hauler about pumpkins. Source
Inkster	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a can up to 35 gallons marked yard waste. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Lathrup Village	Oakland	Yes Published	SOCRRA, which runs Lathrup Village's yard waste program, accepts pumpkins seasonally. How: In a 30-gallon paper yard waste bag or a can with a Yard Waste decal, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 14. Source
Lincoln Park	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a labeled container up to 35 gallons. Last yard waste pickup: Nov 27. Source
Livonia	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper compost bags or a marked can up to 35 gallons, under 50 lbs; up to 8 a week. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Macomb Township	Macomb	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The township accepts garden waste. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In a yard waste cart, a stickered 32-gallon can or biodegradable bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Madison Heights	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a labeled container. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 4. Pumpkin event: The Great Pumpkin Roll Down: roll carved or uncarved pumpkins down Civic Center Park's sledding hill (360 W 13 Mile Rd), Monday, Nov 2, 2026, 6 to 8 pm, free. Source
Melvindale	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: Priority Waste collects yard waste weekly through Dec 11; bag and can rules aren't posted. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Mount Clemens	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper bags or a 32-gallon can marked Compost or Yard Waste. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
New Baltimore	Macomb	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city accepts vegetation and other plant materials. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In a brown yard waste bag or a 32-gallon can marked Yard Waste. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 2. Source
Northville Township	Wayne	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The township accepts garden waste. Pumpkins aren't named. (The separate City of Northville excludes pumpkins.) How: In a 32-35 gallon can marked Yard Waste or kraft paper bags, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Novi	Oakland	Yes Published	Novi's yard waste definition includes pumpkins. How: In a paper yard waste bag or a stickered container up to 35 gallons. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Oak Park	Oakland	Yes Published	SOCRRA, which runs Oak Park's yard waste program, accepts pumpkins seasonally. How: In a 30-gallon paper yard waste bag or a can with an Oak Park yard waste decal. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Orion Township	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. Orion uses WM, and WM's program in Brownstown excludes pumpkins. How: In paper yard waste bags or a can with a yard waste or compost sticker. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 15. Source
Plymouth Township	Wayne	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The township accepts garden waste. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In paper yard waste bags or a stickered can up to 35 gallons. Source
Pontiac	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a labeled container up to 35 gallons. Last yard waste pickup: Nov 30. Source
Redford Township	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	Redford's list covers garden debris, but the township won't take yard waste mixed with apples or straw, and pumpkins aren't mentioned either way. Check with the township before setting one out. How: In brown yard waste bags or a 35-gallon can marked yard waste, under 45 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
River Rouge	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	Sources conflict: Priority Waste lists no compost service for River Rouge, while the city DPW says grass bags are picked up Monday afternoons. Call the DPW at 313-842-6482 before setting out pumpkins. Source
Riverview	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In a stickered can up to 32 gallons or paper yard waste bags. Last yard waste pickup: Nov 30. Source
Rochester	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a labeled container. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 4. Source
Rochester Hills	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In kraft paper bags or a labeled container. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Romulus	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names grass clippings and small branches, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. Romulus uses WM, and WM's program in Brownstown excludes pumpkins. How: In brown paper yard waste bags or a stickered container; no plastic bags. Source
Roseville	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names grass clippings, leaves, brush and trimmings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In 30-gallon kraft bags or a 32-35 gallon can with a city COMPOST sticker, under 60 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 4. Source
Royal Oak	Oakland	Yes Published	How: In a paper yard waste bag or a can with a yard waste decal, under 50 lbs. Pumpkins must be contained. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Shelby Township	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names leaves, lawn clippings, shrubs and small tree trimmings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: Containers under 50 lbs; no plastic bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Southfield	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names grass and leaves, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper yard waste bags or a can with a yard waste sticker (or marked with a Y). Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Southgate	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In paper bags or a labeled container. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
St. Clair Shores	Macomb	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city's list includes garden debris and tree fruit. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In lawn bags or a 32-gallon can marked Yard Waste or Compost. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Sterling Heights	Macomb	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	The city accepts flowers and other "soft" material. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In a 95-gallon yard waste cart or paper yard waste bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Taylor	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In a marked 32-gallon container or yard waste bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Trenton	Wayne	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In your city yard waste cart (a paid service). Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Troy	Oakland	Yes Published	Troy lists apples, pumpkins, corn cobs and husks as curbside yard waste. How: In a paper yard waste bag or a marked yard waste can, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
Utica	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names grass clippings, leaves, shrubs and brush trimmings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In brown yard waste bags or cans marked Yard Waste, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 10. Source
Warren	Macomb	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	Warren's list covers garden and flower bed debris. Pumpkins aren't named. The Recycling Center (25801 Flanders) takes compost year-round. How: In the blue compost cart (brown lid) or 30-gallon brown paper bags; no plastic bags. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 1. Source
Washington Township	Macomb	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste list names grass clippings, leaves, shrubs and brush trimmings, not pumpkins. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. Compost pickup there is an optional service. How: In paper bags or a marked container up to 45 gallons, under 60 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 10. Source
Waterford Township	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In brown paper yard waste bags or a can up to 32 gallons marked Yard Waste or Compost, under 50 lbs. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 18. Source
West Bloomfield Township	Oakland	Check with city Not confirmed	The yard waste rules don't list what's accepted, and pumpkins aren't mentioned. Some nearby towns take pumpkins and some don't, so check with the city before setting one out. How: In brown paper yard waste bags or a can up to 30 gallons marked Yard Waste or Compost. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 11. Source
Westland	Wayne	No Published	Westland's compost program lists pumpkins as not accepted. Source
Wixom	Oakland	Likely yes Based on yard waste rule	Wixom's curbside yard waste also takes food scraps, including fruits and vegetables. Pumpkins aren't named. How: In paper bags or a labeled container, with your yard waste. Last yard waste pickup: Dec 16. Source
Wyandotte	Wayne	No (season over) Season over	Wyandotte's paid curbside yard waste service ended Oct 16, 2026, so there's no yard waste pickup in November. The Recycling Center (1170 Grove) takes grass and leaves; the city doesn't say whether it takes pumpkins. Source

“Published” means the city, township, hauler or authority (such as SOCRRA) names pumpkins. “Based on yard waste rule” means the town's yard waste list covers garden or plant waste but doesn't name pumpkins. “Not confirmed” means the list is narrower or silent, or sources conflict, so check before setting pumpkins out. “Season over” means the town's 2026 yard waste pickup has already ended. 15 published, 15 based on yard waste rules, 2 season over, 40 not confirmed.

Before you set it out

Take out candles and anything that isn't pumpkin. Keep painted pumpkins out of yard waste and compost.
Put pumpkins inside a paper yard waste bag or a can marked for yard waste or compost. Don't leave them loose at the curb or in leaf piles in the street.
Watch the weight: most towns cap a bag or can at 50 pounds, and a few big pumpkins add up fast.
Set it out on your regular trash day, before your yard waste season ends.

Pumpkin drop-off and smash events

Ferndale: Pumpkin Plop: drop off real pumpkins Oct 30 to Nov 9, 2026 at the dumpsters in the Kulick lot (1201 Livernois) or the southeast corner of Martin Road Park (1615 E Lewiston). No painted or artificial pumpkins, hay bales, corn stalks, yard debris, food waste or candles. Source
Madison Heights: The Great Pumpkin Roll Down: roll carved or uncarved pumpkins down Civic Center Park's sledding hill (360 W 13 Mile Rd), Monday, Nov 2, 2026, 6 to 8 pm, free. Source

These are the 2026 events we found from city sources. Your town may post one closer to Halloween.

Quick answers

Can pumpkins go in yard waste in metro Detroit?

In many towns, yes. 11 of the 72 towns we track say pumpkins are accepted with curbside yard waste (Berkley, Birmingham, Canton Township, Clawson, Harrison Township, Hazel Park, Lathrup Village, Novi, Oak Park, Royal Oak and Troy), as long as they're in a paper yard waste bag or a marked can. Brownstown Township, Dearborn, Ferndale and Westland say no. In most other towns pumpkins aren't mentioned either way, so check the table above or ask your city.

Can I just put my pumpkin in the trash?

Dearborn tells residents to put pumpkins in the gray trash cart. Where your town takes pumpkins with yard waste, use that instead: Michigan keeps yard waste out of landfills, and the state's environment department (EGLE) encourages composting pumpkins rather than trashing them. Ferndale also runs a pumpkin drop-off, and Madison Heights a pumpkin roll-down, right after Halloween.

Can painted pumpkins go in yard waste or compost?

Keep them out. EGLE says pumpkins painted with toxic paints or exposed to other chemicals shouldn't be composted, and Ferndale's Pumpkin Plop turns away painted pumpkins and candles. Remove candles and any decorations before a plain pumpkin goes out.

When does yard waste pickup end in 2026?

Most towns run curbside yard waste through December 4 to 18, 2026. Grosse Pointe and Wyandotte have already stopped, and Harper Woods, Highland Park, Lincoln Park, Pontiac and Riverview end in late November. See the end date for every town on our yard waste page.

More seasonal pickup guides

Yard waste end dates · Leaf pickup · Christmas tree pickup · Thanksgiving trash schedule