Households planning to carve pumpkins this Halloween are being reminded to check their council’s rules before putting leftovers out for collection. The advice comes from The No1 Binman, a TikTok creator with more than 217,000 followers and almost four million likes, who says pumpkin disposal is not always as simple as leaving it beside the usual bins.
Check local arrangements before collection day
Some councils accept pumpkins next to the food waste container, while others require them to be placed inside it. In a recent video, The No1 Binman said: "Make sure you've all got your new food waste caddies. You might have to check with your councils because some councils allow you to put the pumpkins next to the bin or on the bins, absolutely fine."
He warned that other authorities may insist the pumpkin goes in the food caddy, making it important to check local arrangements before collection day.
Recycling and composting options
The advice comes as councils encourage residents to keep food waste out of general rubbish wherever possible. Wales Recycles says inedible food, including pumpkin leftovers, should go in the food waste caddy so it can be recycled rather than thrown away.
There may be practical issues if a large pumpkin needs to be broken up to fit inside the container. The No1 Binman suggested using food waste bags if people intend to mash or break down the pumpkin, but households should make sure any liner they use is accepted by their local collection service.
Councils publish their own instructions for pumpkin waste, so one area’s rules should not be assumed to apply elsewhere. Warwickshire County Council, for example, says pumpkin remains can go through its kerbside recycling service or be composted at home, while other councils provide specific instructions about leaving whole pumpkins beside a caddy.
Bring the caddy in after collection
There is also a reminder for anyone who has a food waste caddy sitting outside after collection. The No1 Binman said: "So happy carving your pumpkins, but make sure you bring your food caddy bin in, I'm just gonna say that, bring your food caddy bin in and you can just empty it straight into it."
Before disposing of a pumpkin, households are encouraged to make use of edible flesh and seeds, with soups, pies and roasted seeds among the options. Any leftovers should be recycled or composted where possible, with candles, wax, lights and other decorations removed first.
