From sweet consumption to pumpkin carving and decor disposal, these findings give us valuable insights into the environmental impact of Halloween activities.

In this blog, we’ll dig into the key statistics and trends that emerged from our survey, offering a clearer picture of current habits and where there’s room for more sustainable practices.

Table of Contents

• Halloween Sweets
• Pumpkin Carving and Disposal
• Decorating Habits
• Spending Trends by Age
• Halloween Decor Habits by Age
• Pumpkin Carving by Age
• Food Waste Post-Halloween
• Decoration Disposal Choices

Halloween Sweets

• A significant portion of the 25-34 age group opts out of buying Halloween sweets, with 47% reporting they skip sweet purchases, possibly due to low participation in trick-or-treating or other preferences. The 18-24 age group displayed a wider spending range, including spending over £20.

• On the waste front, 71% of respondents across all age groups report throwing away less than 10% of their Halloween sweets, suggesting strong planning and consumption trends.

Pumpkin Carving and Disposal

• Pumpkin carving is a staple, particularly among the 25-34 age group, where almost half of the respondents carve a pumpkin each year.

• For disposal, while some respondents compost their pumpkins, most still discard them in general waste, suggesting a need for greater awareness around sustainable disposal options for pumpkins. 20% of the 25-34 group were composting, a practice that can help reduce landfill waste if adopted more widely.

Decorating Habits

• Decoration habits show that the 25-34 age group will likely mix old and new decorations each year or avoid decorating entirely.

• Reuse is the primary method of disposal, with many storing decorations for future use, though some still dispose of decorations annually. Encouraging recycling and reuse can help cut down on this seasonal waste.

Spending Trends by Age

• Respondents in the 18-24 age group displayed diverse spending habits on sweets, with some spending over £20 while others stayed under £10. This variance may reflect a mix of Halloween traditions, with some actively participating in trick-or-treating while others opt out or keep spending minimal.

Halloween Decor Habits by Age

• The 25-34 age group showed the highest rate of not decorating at all, with over 54% choosing not to purchase decorations. This trend could indicate a growing awareness of single-use waste or a preference for minimalism.

• Reusing decorations is common, especially among the 35-44 group, with the majority of respondents in this category choosing to store items for future use. This suggests an awareness of waste reduction among middle-aged participants.

Pumpkin Carving by Age

• Pumpkin carving remains popular across age groups, especially among those under 45. However, the 45-54 age group shows a decline, with more than half of respondents opting out entirely. This could be due to changing family dynamics or a shift in interests.

Food Waste Post-Halloween

• Encouragingly, over 80% of respondents report little to no food waste after Halloween, suggesting good planning around food purchases and consumption. Most waste reported comes from pumpkins, emphasising the importance of promoting sustainable pumpkin disposal, like composting.

Decoration Disposal Choices

• Disposal methods varied, with younger age groups most likely to throw away decorations, while older groups leaned towards reuse or recycling. For example, 6% of the 18-24 group throw away decorations annually compared to 1-2% in older groups, indicating a potential focus area for education on sustainable practices among younger audiences.

Halloween traditions like pumpkin carving, decorating, and sweet sharing can come with a significant environmental footprint, but our data reveals encouraging trends toward waste reduction and sustainable choices.

With a growing number of people opting for reusable decorations, composting pumpkins, and planning sweet purchases to minimise waste, it’s clear that many are becoming more conscious of their impact.

By continuing to promote sustainable practices and raising awareness around disposal options, especially among younger audiences, we can all work towards a Halloween that’s festive and eco-friendly.

The post Halloween Waste Statistics 2025 appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

Halloween is often associated with excess waste—from disposable costumes to plastic decorations—but your business can lead by example by implementing eco-friendly practices.

Here are some practical tips on how to host a Halloween event that’s both fun and sustainable, while reducing your business’s environmental footprint.

If you’re looking for professional support, our team can help your business handle Halloween waste disposal efficiently. From general waste to sanitary waste to food waste and even food waste-related issues such as pest control, our services are here for all your waste problems!

• Encourage DIY and Reusable Costumes
• Opt for Sustainable Decorations
• Host a Zero-Waste Halloween Party
• Sustainable Trick-or-Treating Alternatives
• Final Thoughts

Encourage DIY and Reusable Costumes

Halloween costumes often lead to costume waste as they’re typically worn once and discarded. Instead, encourage your employees to create their DIY costumes using items they already own or by upcycling materials.

Consider organising a “Best DIY Costume Contest” to make it fun while promoting sustainability.

Another idea is to host a Costume Swap where team members can exchange gently used costumes. This reduces the need to buy new costumes and keeps old ones out of landfills.

To manage any leftover costume waste, our team can help with waste disposal services.

Opt for Sustainable Decorations

Many Halloween decorations are made from non-recyclable plastics and are only used for a short time.

To cut down on plastic waste, consider decorating with natural, reusable, or biodegradable materials. You can also encourage employees to bring in their eco-friendly decorations made from upcycled items.

For example:

• Pumpkins: Use real pumpkins that can be composted after the event.

• Reusable décor: Invest in fabric banners or decorations that can be used year after year.

• Glass jars: Repurpose glass jars as candle holders or lanterns for a spooky touch.

If your business needs help managing decoration waste after the event, we offer waste management services tailored to UK businesses.

Host a Zero-Waste Halloween Party

Food and drink are central to any Halloween party, but they can also result in significant food waste and unnecessary packaging.

To minimise your impact:

• Serve food in reusable dishes and encourage employees to bring their reusable utensils and mugs.

• Choose catering options that use minimal packaging and offer plant-based or locally sourced foods to reduce environmental impact.

Make sure you have recycling and composting stations marked at the event. This makes it easy for employees to sort their waste properly, and it ensures that you’re not contributing to unnecessary landfill waste.

Sustainable Trick-or-Treating Alternatives

If your office plans to do a trick-or-treat activity, make it sustainable by offering treats not wrapped in single-use plastic.

Opt for:

• Fair-trade candy wrapped in recyclable paper.

• Non-edible treats like small plants, reusable items, or vouchers.

This reduces plastic waste and encourages employees to think creatively about gift-giving. After the event, any remaining waste can be recycled or disposed of responsibly—let us help with that.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a Halloween event is a great way to bring your team together, but it’s also an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact. As a UK business owner, you can lead by example and show that sustainability can be part of every celebration.

By promoting DIY costumes, reusable decorations, and zero-waste practices, your business can reduce its Halloween waste and contribute to a greener future.

Ready to make your Halloween event eco-friendly?

Our expert team is here to help with all your business waste management needs.

The post Eco-Friendly Halloween Celebrations for the Workplace appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

As costumes are donned and pumpkins are carved, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of this festive holiday.

Quick Summary

• An estimated 7 million costumes and 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are discarded in the UK each year, contributing to significant plastic and food waste.

• Encourage the use of reusable costumes, decorations, and party supplies, and promote practices like repurposing pumpkins and reducing food waste to lessen environmental impact.

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Costumes
• Pumpkins: A Wasteful Tradition
• Plastic Decorations
• Candy Wrapper Catastrophe
• Single-Use Party Supplies
• Food Waste from Celebrations
• Paper Promotions
• The Haunting Truth
• Need Help Managing Waste?

The Cost of Costumes

Each year, an estimated 7 million Halloween costumes are thrown away in the UK alone. Many of these costumes are made from cheap, synthetic materials that contribute to about 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste—equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles!

Sustainable Alternatives

Instead of buying new, consider renting, swapping, or crafting your costume from sustainable materials. This reduces waste and adds a unique touch to your Halloween celebration.

Pumpkins: A Wasteful Tradition

In the UK, around 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are wasted each Halloween, primarily from carved jack-o’-lanterns.

Repurposing Pumpkins

Instead of tossing those pumpkins after the festivities, consider using the flesh for soups or pies and roasting the seeds for a delicious snack.

Composting any leftover scraps can also significantly reduce waste and enrich the soil.

Learn how to make the most of your pumpkins this Halloween by exploring creative ways to use them, from delicious recipes to eco-friendly disposal methods in our related blog!

Plastic Decorations

From fake spider webs to plastic skeletons, Halloween decorations are often made from non-biodegradable materials.

Choosing Sustainable Decor

These items typically end up in landfills after a single use, contributing to the global plastic crisis. Opt for reusable decorations or natural items, like real pumpkins or autumn leaves, to celebrate sustainably.

Candy Wrapper Catastrophe

Halloween wouldn’t be complete without candy, but those individually wrapped treats come at a cost.

Eco-Friendly Treat Options

The wrappers contribute significantly to plastic waste, which is often not recyclable. Consider offering homemade goodies or candies with recyclable packaging to help mitigate this issue.

Single-Use Party Supplies

Halloween parties often lead to an excess of single-use plastic cups, plates, and cutlery, all of which add to landfill waste.

Sustainable Party Solutions

Instead, switch to reusable options or compostable supplies. Encouraging guests to bring their dishes can also help reduce the amount of disposable items used.

Food Waste from Celebrations

Food waste is a common issue during Halloween festivities, with excess snacks and treats often going uneaten.

Reducing Food Waste

To combat this, plan your party menu carefully to avoid overbuying and encourage guests to take leftovers home. Composting food scraps can also reduce waste while benefiting the environment.

Paper Promotions

Many businesses distribute flyers and promotional materials during Halloween, which often end up as waste.

Going Digital

Consider using digital marketing strategies or eco-friendly paper alternatives to cut down on paper waste and reach your audience more effectively.

The Haunting Truth

The environmental impact of Halloween waste is real and significant. By making small changes and choosing more sustainable options, we can all do our part to celebrate responsibly.

Need Help Managing Waste?

If your business is looking to reduce its environmental footprint this Halloween, we can help!

Get a quote on waste management solutions tailored to your needs. You can make this spooky season more sustainable while enjoying the festivities!

The post Frightening Facts About Halloween Waste appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

Between costumes, decorations, and parties, the amount of waste generated during this festive period is alarming.

Here are the top 10 ways people generate waste during Halloween and what you can do to minimise your impact.

Quick Summary

• UK businesses, especially in hospitality and retail, can reduce Halloween waste by choosing sustainable decorations, minimising plastic and packaging waste, and promoting recycling in the workplace.

• Collaborating with a responsible waste management provider helps ensure proper waste segregation and recycling compliance, making it easier for businesses to celebrate sustainably while protecting the environment.

Table of Contents

• 1. Disposable Costumes
• 2. Plastic Decorations
• 3. Single-Use Party Supplies
• 4. Candy Wrappers
• 5. Pumpkin Waste
• 6. Flyers and Paper Promotions
• 7. Food Waste from Parties
• 8. Excessive Candy Buying
• 9. Non-Recyclable Trick-or-Treat Bags
• 10. Electronic Decorations
• Need to Reduce Waste in Your Business?

1. Disposable Costumes

Many Halloween costumes are made from cheap, synthetic materials and are used only once.

After the holiday, they often end up in landfills. Consider renting, swapping, or making your costume from sustainable or reusable materials.

2. Plastic Decorations

From fake spider webs to plastic pumpkins, Halloween decorations are typically made from non-biodegradable materials.

These items are rarely recycled and are usually thrown away after just one use. Opt for reusable decorations or natural items like pumpkins and gourds, but make sure that you read our blog on how to make use of leftover pumpkins!

3. Single-Use Party Supplies

Halloween parties often come with an abundance of single-use plastic cups, plates, and cutlery. These items add up quickly in landfills.

Switch to reusable or compostable options, or encourage guests to bring their dishes.

4. Candy Wrappers

Individually wrapped candies are a staple of Halloween but contribute significantly to plastic waste. Try offering homemade treats, candy in recyclable packaging, or non-food items like stickers or small toys.

5. Pumpkin Waste

Millions of pumpkins are carved each year, and most of them are thrown away after Halloween. To reduce waste, use the entire pumpkin by roasting the seeds and using the flesh for soups or pies.

Turn your food waste into energy with us! Get a food waste bin for your business and help reduce landfill waste while supporting sustainable energy solutions in your community.

6. Flyers and Paper Promotions

During Halloween, many businesses distribute paper flyers and promotional materials. Most of these end up as waste. Digital marketing or eco-friendly, recyclable paper alternatives can help cut down on this type of waste.

7. Food Waste from Parties

Halloween-themed snacks and party foods often lead to food waste. Plan to avoid overbuying, encourage guests to take leftovers home, and compost any food scraps to reduce your environmental impact.

8. Excessive Candy Buying

Many people buy more candy than they need, resulting in leftovers that go to waste. Purchase candy in bulk and only buy as much as you expect to need.

You can also donate any excess to local food banks or community centres.

9. Non-Recyclable Trick-or-Treat Bags

Many trick-or-treat bags are made from non-recyclable materials and are discarded after a single use. Use reusable bags or containers for trick-or-treating, such as tote bags, pillowcases, or decorated buckets.

10. Electronic Decorations

High-tech decorations like light-up ghosts or inflatable pumpkins can have a short lifespan and often end up in landfills.

Choose durable, long-lasting options, or create your decorations from natural or recyclable materials.

Need to Reduce Waste in Your Business?

Halloween waste is just one example of the environmental impact of single-use items and excess.

If your business is looking to reduce waste and operate more sustainably, we can help!

Don’t let waste haunt your Halloween this year!

Get a quote today and see how we can support your sustainability goals

The post 10 Top Ways People Generate Waste During Halloween appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

From piles of plastic decorations to uneaten pumpkin treats, the Halloween season generates more waste than many business owners realise.

This blog shares tips to manage your waste sustainably this Halloween, ensuring you celebrate responsibly while protecting the environment.

Table of Contents

• The Frightful Impact of Halloween Waste
• Pumpkins: Avoid Food Waste
• Say No to Single-Use Plastics
• Reduce Packaging Waste
• Promote Recycling in Your Workplace
• Educate and Engage Customers
• Partner with a Responsible Waste Management Company
• Scare Off Waste, Not the Planet

The Frightful Impact of Halloween Waste

Halloween is notorious for creating heaps of unnecessary waste. From single-use decorations to excess packaging, the environmental impact is significant.

Businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail, play a crucial role in minimising waste during this busy period.

Pumpkins: Avoid Food Waste

Every year, over 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are discarded in the UK, and much of them end up in landfills. You must know how to safely discard the pumpkins you use over the Halloween period!

While pumpkins are often used for decoration, they are also edible and versatile.

Here’s how your business can combat food waste:

• Donate or compost leftover pumpkin flesh. Many charities or community groups will happily take surplus food for meals.

• Offer seasonal pumpkin recipes in your cafe or restaurant to make use of the whole vegetable.

• Consider setting up a composting station for customers and staff to dispose of organic waste sustainably.

Say No to Single-Use Plastics

From plastic wrappers to spooky décor, Halloween is often filled with single-use plastic items that can end up in landfill. As a business owner, reducing plastic usage should be your priority.

Here are some easy wins:

• Opt for recyclable or biodegradable decorations. Paper garlands, reusable banners, and natural materials like straw or wood are far better for the environment.

• Avoid single-use plastic trick-or-treat items. Instead, offer paper bags or recyclable alternatives to customers.

• If you’re running a Halloween event, ensure bins for recycling are marked and available, making it easy for attendees to do their part.

Reduce Packaging Waste

Halloween often sees a rise in packaging waste, especially in retail businesses. Whether it’s costumes or confectionery, plastic packaging is a common culprit.

To cut down on this:

• Source costumes and products from suppliers that use sustainable, minimal packaging.

• Encourage customers to bring their bags or offer a discount for doing so.

• Consider bulk buying seasonal items to reduce the amount of packaging waste your business generates.

Promote Recycling in Your Workplace

Encouraging sustainable practices within your business can significantly reduce waste. Make it easier for your staff and customers to recycle by setting up visible, well-labelled bins:

• Create a separate bin for plastics, ensuring only recyclable items go in.

• Have a dedicated bin for food waste if you run a hospitality business.

• Provide clear signage to help staff and customers understand what can and can’t be recycled.

We provide a variety of bin sizes to suit different business needs, handling waste types including mixed recycling, food, general waste, and sharps disposal.

Educate and Engage Customers

Sustainability starts with awareness, so use Halloween as an opportunity to engage customers in your waste reduction efforts.

Whether you’re a retail shop, hotel, or restaurant, you can share simple but impactful tips:

• Create social media posts or a blog that educates customers on how they can reduce their Halloween waste.

• Host a recycling-themed event or competition to encourage customers to bring in recyclable Halloween items, offering a prize as an incentive.

Partner with a Responsible Waste Management Company

Managing waste doesn’t need to be daunting. Partnering with a waste management company ensures that your Halloween waste is handled responsibly, whether it’s food scraps or recyclable materials. A good waste management partner will:

• Assist with proper waste segregation, making sure you are compliant with UK recycling regulations.

• Offer tailored waste solutions based on your industry, ensuring you maximise recycling efforts and reduce your environmental footprint.

Scare Off Waste, Not the Planet

With some mindful changes, your business can turn Halloween from a wasteful celebration into a sustainable one.

Don’t let waste haunt your Halloween!

The post Haunted by Waste? How to Celebrate Halloween Sustainably appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

To put that into context, that’s around 2000 tonnes of plastic waste or a horrifying 83 million plastic bottles caused by the Halloween festivities.

Even more disturbing is the fact that the plastic polymer used in over 63% of these costumes, polyester, can take anywhere between 20-200 years to decompose.

With the annual celebration of Halloween (October 31st), landfills are being topped up with discarded costumes year-on-year and the monstrous problem of Halloween waste continues to grow.

How much waste does Halloween generate?

In addition to the sheer amount of costumes that end up in landfill, plastic sweets/chocolate wrappers, decorations, and pumpkin waste also contribute greatly to the amount of Halloween waste generated each year.

In the US, over 5.4 million kilograms of textile waste is produced by businesses and consumers throwing away Halloween costumes.

The National Retail Federation estimate that around $2.6 billion is spent on sweets and chocolates for Halloween. These treats, however, are typically wrapped in plastic casings and can’t be recycled. The wrappers, therefore, also end up in landfill.

Lisa Morton, an author/journalist who specialises in researching and writing content around the spooky season claims that:

“A single trick-or-treater generates one pound (half a kilo) of trash at Halloween”.

That’s a frightening amount when you consider how many children are out trick or treating across the globe.

Another scary Halloween waste statistic is that around 1 billion pounds (453 million kilograms) of pumpkins are sent to landfill where they break down and emit methane gas. More about this next.

Is pumpkin carving wasteful?

40% of UK consumers buy pumpkins to carve for Halloween, but 60% report that they don’t use the pumpkin to make any food such as pumpkin soup and instead just throw it into the general waste bin after they’ve finished carving.

A colossal 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are thrown away each year which is about 360 million portions of pumpkin pie!

But the wasted potential for food is not the scariest thing about pumpkin waste…

When pumpkins are sent to landfill, they decompose and produce an extremely harmful greenhouse gas; methane.

This gas is over 25 times more harmful to the Earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Methane is a key contributor to climate change and reducing it is an environmental priority.

How many Halloween costumes are thrown away each year?

7 million costumes are thrown out each year in the UK alone according to the Hubbub study.

The US has a population 5 times bigger than the UK, so estimates for how many Halloween costumes are thrown away in the US are around 35 million. A truly scary amount.

How do I dispose of old Halloween costumes?

The best approach to tackle the Halloween costume problem is to reuse or donate your outfits.

Instead of throwing your spooky attire into the bin, you should see if you can either re-wear it the following year or give it to a friend/family member. Failing that, you can donate your costume to charities (just make sure to wash it first).

You may also consider making your own Halloween costumes from recyclable materials like cardboard. Everyone loves a homemade costume. Here are some fantastic examples:

Halloween waste statistics

• 94% of families plan on buying costumes for Halloween in 2024

• 33 million people dress up for the holiday

• 79% of households with children dress up

• £300 million is spent at Halloween

• 7 million costumes are binned each year

• 83% of Halloween costumes use non-recyclable plastic

• 4 out of 10 costumes are only worn once

• The equivalent of 520 elephants of plastic waste is thrown away at Halloween

• Only 20% of consumers consider sustainability in their Halloween purchases

• 0.5kg of waste is produced per trick-or-treater

What can we do about Halloween waste?

The best way to enjoy Halloween in an environmentally friendly way is to use eco-alternatives and to repurpose or recycle where possible.

Reducing Halloween waste in costumes

We recommend that you re-use your old costumes or buy from charity shops this year, or perhaps even make your own!

By reducing the fast-fashion demand for spooky attire you’ll be playing your part in reducing plastic in landfill.

What about pumpkins?

If you’re keen to pumpkin carve this year then you should consider reducing how many pumpkins you buy or, even better, use the leftovers from the carvings to make soups, pies, and other tasty treats.

Once you’re ready to throw away your pumpkin lanterns, you should put them into your compost bin rather than the general waste.

Don’t have a compost bin? Use a friend’s or consider purchasing or making one yourself. They’re fantastic for the environment.

Decorations

Similar to costumes, try to reuse from previous years, buy second-hand, or make your own where possible. If you do want to buy from other retailers then check to see if the decorations are recyclable or of good enough quality to use again next year.

Sweets and treats

Before going to the shops to buy sweets and chocolates for the trick-or-treaters this year, could you make your own treats? If not, look for products with minimal or recyclable packaging.

The post Why Halloween Waste is the Scariest Monster of Them All in 2025 appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

However, once the spooky season concludes, the question arises: what becomes of these pumpkins?

Thankfully, there are environmentally conscious and resourceful ways to repurpose these post-Halloween pumpkins.

In this guide, we explore a variety of sustainable methods to dispose of pumpkins responsibly, ensuring they do not end up needlessly in landfills as Halloween waste.

From transforming pumpkins into nutrient-rich compost for your garden to creating delightful culinary treats and supporting local wildlife, we present an array of options that align with eco-friendly practices.

Dispose of Pumpkins with Composting

Composting is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of pumpkins after Halloween.

Pumpkins are rich in organic matter and nutrients that can enhance the quality of your compost.

When breaking down, disposed pumpkins release valuable nutrients like nitrogen and potassium, benefiting your garden’s soil. Before adding pumpkins to your compost, cut them into smaller, manageable pieces.

This aids in faster decomposition and ensures they blend well with other compostable materials.

Mixing “browns” (like dry leaves or straw) with the pumpkin “greens” (the pumpkin itself) helps maintain a proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for optimal composting.

Regularly turning the compost pile will expedite the breakdown process of the food or green waste. In a few months, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost to nourish your garden.

Make Pumpkin Bread or Muffins

Transforming pumpkin flesh into delicious baked goods not only reduces food waste but also provides you with delightful treats.

Start by preparing pumpkin puree as outlined. Incorporate the puree into your favourite bread or muffin recipes in place of other wet ingredients like oil or milk.

The pumpkin adds moisture and a unique flavour, enhancing the overall taste of the baked goods.

Once baked, let the bread or muffins cool completely before storing them in airtight containers or freezing them for later consumption.

This way, you know how to dispose of pumpkins effectively while enjoying nutritious homemade snacks.

Bury Them

Burying pumpkins is a simple and effective method of disposal. Dig a hole in your garden, at least 12-18 inches deep, and place the pumpkin inside.

Cover it with soil, ensuring it’s fully submerged. The pumpkin will decompose over time, providing essential nutrients to the soil.

Decomposition rates vary depending on factors such as soil conditions, moisture levels, and climate.

It may take several weeks to a few months for the pumpkin to break down completely.

As it decomposes, the pumpkin contributes organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility.

Burying also helps divert organic waste from landfills, promoting a more sustainable waste management approach.

Pumpkin Seed Snacks

Repurposing pumpkin seeds to make delicious snacks is a wonderful way to use the entire pumpkin.

Begin by separating the seeds from the pulp and rinsing them thoroughly to remove any remaining debris. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Toss the cleaned seeds with olive oil and your choice of seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet twist.

Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crunchy.

Let them cool before storing in an airtight container. Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack rich in protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.

Donate to Farms or Zoos

Donating your pumpkins to farms or zoos can be a rewarding way to repurpose them and benefit animals. Many animals, including pigs, goats, and elephants, enjoy eating pumpkins.

Contact local farms, petting zoos, or wildlife sanctuaries to inquire if they accept pumpkin donations. It’s essential to confirm any specific guidelines or restrictions they may have regarding the donation.

If they can accept the pumpkins, consider organising a pumpkin drive in your community to gather more pumpkins for the animals, fostering community engagement and spreading the Halloween spirit of giving.

Create Pumpkin Puree

Repurposing pumpkins to make pumpkin puree is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and create a versatile ingredient for various recipes.

Begin by cutting the pumpkin into manageable pieces, removing the seeds and stringy pulp.

Place the pieces on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until soft.

Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth to create pumpkin puree.

This puree can be used in various dishes, including pies, soups, sauces, and baked goods.

You can store the puree in the freezer for several months, making it a convenient addition to future meals.

Contact Local Recycling Centers

Reach out to your local recycling centres to inquire about their policies regarding pumpkin disposal. Some centres may accept pumpkins for composting or organic waste processing.

They might have specific drop-off locations or designated bins for pumpkin disposal.

Ensure you remove any non-organic materials like candles or decorations before delivering the pumpkins.

Dispose of your Pumpkins by Feeding the Local Wildlife

Repurposing pumpkins to feed wildlife is a great way to reduce waste and support local ecosystems.

Birds, squirrels, deer, and other animals enjoy pumpkins as a natural food source.

Place the pumpkins in an open area of your yard or near a wooded area.

For added attraction, consider creating a makeshift feeding station by arranging the pumpkins on a platform or elevated surface.

Over time, various animals will discover and consume the pumpkin, benefitting from its nutritional content.

This practice not only reduces your environmental footprint but also brings wildlife closer to your home, offering an opportunity to appreciate and observe nature up close.

Feel free to request further expansion or specific details for other sections.

Dispose of Pumpkins as Garden Fertiliser

Creating garden fertiliser from pumpkins is a natural way to enrich your garden soil with essential nutrients. Begin by breaking down the pumpkin into smaller, manageable pieces.

These pieces can be buried directly into your garden soil or placed in a compost bin.

As the pumpkin decomposes, it releases valuable nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus into the soil. These nutrients are vital for plant growth and health.

The organic matter from the pumpkin enhances the soil structure, improving its ability to retain water and nutrients. Over time, you’ll notice healthier plants and a more productive garden.

This approach is not only eco-friendly but also a cost-effective method of fertilising your garden.

Make Pumpkin Soup

Repurposing pumpkins for soup is a delightful way to avoid unnecessary waste and create delicious meals.

Begin by washing the pumpkin thoroughly, then cutting it into manageable pieces. Remove the seeds and stringy pulp.

Roasting the pumpkin in the oven enhances its flavour. Place the pumpkin pieces on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes until tender. Once roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth.

In a pot, sauté onions and garlic, then add the pumpkin puree, vegetable or chicken broth, and your choice of seasonings.

Let it simmer, then blend the mixture again for a creamy texture. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

The post How to Dispose of Pumpkins – Halloween 2025 appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.