CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – The Great Pumpkin Smash began in Charlottesville on Saturday, November 9, to encourage people to compost their pumpkins. It is a great way to make use of decaying produce, according to the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority. Charlottesville and Albemarle residents can toss as many pumpkins as they want at the McIntire Recycling Center, as long as the insides and seeds are cleaned out.