Rinsing carved pumpkin pulp down the kitchen sink could leave homeowners facing bills of up to £300, according to a plumbing expert. Brian Toward, CEO of the retailer Wholesale Domestic, said the fibrous strands and seeds can clump together in pipes and cause blockages.
The risk of pumpkin pulp in drains
Toward explained that pumpkin pulp does not dissolve in water. "The fibrous strands and seeds don't dissolve in water, and they can clump together, harden and stick to the sides of your pipes, trapping other debris and eventually causing a blockage," he said.
Halloween can be a particularly busy time for blocked drains, he warned. Clearing a blocked kitchen drain typically costs between £80 and £150, with more severe blockages potentially costing up to £300.
How to dispose of pumpkin waste safely
Toward advised using a sink waste strainer when rinsing out pumpkins and disposing of waste in a food waste bin or compost. "If small amounts of pumpkin pulp do escape down the drain, make sure to flush it with hot water with a bit of washing-up liquid to break down any lingering residue," he added.
James Ward, of Wheeldon Brothers, noted that pumpkins are often treated as single-use decorations, but they remain food that can be used after celebrations. Cooking with leftover pumpkin, composting, or using appropriate waste collections can reduce the amount thrown away.
Why not to dump pumpkins outdoors
The Woodland Trust cautions that discarded pumpkins can cause stomach upsets in hedgehogs, potentially leading to dehydration. Rotting pumpkins can also attract rats and damage woodland ecosystems.
For pumpkins no longer fit for consumption, home composting offers a practical alternative. Households without home composting should consult their local council's guidance, as some councils accept pumpkins via food waste collections while others may have varying requirements.
