Fernandina Beach residents can give their Halloween pumpkins a second purpose Nov. 1 by donating them to a recycling event benefiting two Nassau County animal organizations.

Keep Nassau Beautiful will host its "Feed the Critters" pumpkin collection from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. Eighth St.

The collected pumpkins will go to Goats on the Go and OtterSpace Wildlife, a Hilliard-based sanctuary that cares for injured and nonreleasable animals.

Which pumpkins can be donated?

Organizers will accept whole or carved pumpkins, provided they are free of paint and wax.

Painted pumpkins will not be accepted, and volunteers will inspect donations before placing them in the collection trailer.

The drop-off will end at 3 p.m. or earlier if the trailer reaches capacity.

Keep Nassau Beautiful encourages residents to register through its event page to help organizers estimate the number of donations.

Volunteers are also needed from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents interested in helping can register through a separate volunteer sign-up page.

Donations support local animal organizations

Goats on the Go has previously assisted Fernandina Beach with vegetation management, using goats to clear invasive vines and underbrush from conservation land, according to a city Facebook post.

OtterSpace Wildlife, based in Hilliard, provides care for injured and nonreleasable wildlife. The sanctuary opened for public tours in May 2026, according to the Florida Times-Union.

The collection is part of Keep Nassau Beautiful's broader work to reduce waste and support environmental stewardship throughout the county.

The nonprofit reported 6,608 volunteer hours and 74.1 tons of waste collected in 2025.

Pumpkin Palooza kicks off Halloween weekend

The recycling event follows Pumpkin Palooza, another Keep Nassau Beautiful gathering at Mocama Beer Company.

Scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 9 p.m., Pumpkin Palooza will feature pumpkin carving, composting demonstrations, costume contests and live music.

Both events will take place at 629 S. Eighth St. in Fernandina Beach.

Residents can find registration information and event details on the Keep Nassau Beautiful website.