GREENWICH, N.Y. — Now that Halloween is over, you’re probably ready to dispose of your carefully carved pumpkins. And while it might be easiest to take a walk down to your garbage can with them, you might find a lot more satisfaction diverting those pumpkins from the landfill. According to the USDA, of the 2 billion pounds of pumpkins grown in 2020, 1.3 billion ended up in the garbage. That’s a lot of pumpkin gone to waste! Thankfully, there are some amazing ways to recycle your Halloween pumpkins. Here are four of our favorites!
1. Composting
Not only can composting yield garden soil for your plants and flowers next year, but it’s a great learning opportunity for kids. Along with pumpkins, there are several things you can add to make a compost pile including fall leaves, small twigs, food scraps, (undiseased) garden waste, livestock bedding, and old straw. The options are endless! If you want more information about how to craft a perfectly balanced compost pile, check out this factsheet from the Cornell Waste Management Institute.
2. Pumpkin collection program
Check to see if you have a pumpkin collection program in your area. Many municipalities have programs to collect your pumpkins, which are often composted and recycled alongside other yard waste. Call your local city or county to find our what options exist in your area.
3. A feast for the birds (or chickens)
If your pumpkin has been sitting on your front porch for a while, some curious critters have probably already taken a nibble. And for good reason! Pumpkins are a treat for all sorts of animal life. If you have chickens, they’ll love pecking out the seeds and flesh alike. Goats will likewise enjoy chowing down on this nutritious snack. But don’t worry, if livestock aren’t a part of your life, there are plenty of wild critters who will enjoy a leftover pumpkin! Share the seeds with your bird friends, or set the pumpkin beneath a tree and watch it disappear to the squirrels, chipmunks, or even deer.
One caveat: if you painted your pumpkins this year, be sure not to feed it to your livestock or any wildlife. You can cut off the painted parts, or use an alternative method of disposal.
4. Roast your pumpkin
Did you happen to use a type of pie pumpkin for your decorations this year? Why not make a homemade pumpkin pie! There are plenty of recipes out there, but they all start by roasting up the delicious orange flesh. Crank your oven up to 425*F. Cut your pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and set the halves face down on a baking tray. Roast until soft (this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the size of your pumpkin). A knife should be able to pierce the flesh easily. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, then scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor. Process until smooth, then transfer to a seperate container or freeze (once cooled completely) for use later.
Whether you’re filling your tummy, feeding the birds, or creating new soil, your Halloween decorations are finding new life and purpose. And whatever method you choose to recycle your Halloween pumpkins, you can feel good about diverting a portion of food waste from the landfill.
From everyone at the Morning Ag Clips, we hope you had a wonderful Halloween!
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