FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2025
Great Pumpkin Smash Returns to the McIntire Recycling Center
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA) will host the 8th Annual Great Pumpkin Smash Composting Event at McIntire Recycling Center, located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Participants will be able to “smash” their unwanted pumpkins by dropping them into a large container, which will be delivered to a composting facility. The recycling container will be accessible through self-service. Pumpkin composting is free of charge and open to City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County residents.
The pumpkin compost container will be available Wednesday, November 5, 2025, through Monday, November 10, 2025.
Composting vegetable and fruit waste helps reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and helps return nutrient-rich aggregates to local soils. The Great Pumpkin Smash provides a convenient way for residents to dispose of their seasonal decorations.
McIntire Winter Hours
With Daylight Saving's Time ending this upcoming weekend, the McIntire Recycling Center will begin its winter hours on Monday, November 3, 2025. The facility will close at 5:30 PM to coincide with the earlier sunsets.
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The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority & Solid Waste Authority’s mission is to serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA communities by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority oversees three recycling and disposal centers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Residents are encouraged to use these facilities as they are needed.
The Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center is located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. The facility accepts municipal solid waste from private citizens and collection vehicles servicing Charlottesville and Albemarle. Accepted wastes include: construction debris, demolition debris, bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag), grindable vegetative materials, clean fill materials, tires, appliances, large bulk items, and paint. Accepted recyclables include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, antifreeze, motor oil, and compostable food waste. Regular business hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please visit Rivanna Solid Waste Authority’s service fees webpage for a current list of dumping fees. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail and/or at the scales.
The McIntire Recycling Center is located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. The facility accepts recyclable materials. Accepted materials include: aluminum beverage cans, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastic films, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, office paper, glass, newsprint, mixed metals, compostable food waste, oyster shells, pizza boxes, and used cooking oil. Regular business hours are Wednesday through Monday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The facility is closed on Tuesdays.
The Southern Albemarle Convenience Center is located at 6269 Esmont Road, Keene, VA 22946. The facility accepts recyclable materials and bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag). Accepted materials include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail, at Green Mountain Country Store, 5977 Scottsville Road, Scottsville, VA and/or at Brown’s Market, 2724 Irish Road, Esmont, VA. Regular business hours are Friday through Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility is closed on Thursdays.
Media Contact
Westley Kern
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
434-977-2970, ext. 117
WKern@rivanna.org