Households across the UK are being urged not to throw pumpkins in general waste bins after Halloween this Saturday to avoid sending them to landfill. Waste experts recommend composting pumpkins or using food waste bins instead.
Why pumpkins should not go in general waste
Carving and displaying pumpkins outside homes has long been a Halloween tradition and has become more popular in the UK in recent years. According to folklore, carving a scary face into a pumpkin supposedly wards off evil spirits, but nowadays it is more commonly seen as a sign that a household is taking part in Halloween festivities and is happy to welcome trick-or-treaters.
Josh Clarke, Managing Director at Clear It Waste, said: “Each Halloween, pumpkins are consistently disposed of incorrectly. Do not put pumpkins in your general household waste bin. They will decompose in the landfill and produce methane gas. This is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and is damaging for the environment.”
How to dispose of pumpkins properly
Clarke added: “Instead look to compost. Remove any candles or paint/decorations, and place the pumpkin in a compost bin or pile. Chopping the pumpkin into smaller pieces can also help it decompose more efficiently.” He also suggested using a food waste bin, advising residents to check with their local council or recycling service to see if they offer food waste collection for organic materials like pumpkins.
Once a pumpkin starts to show signs of decay, like browning, mould or turning soft, it should be disposed of as soon as possible. This typically happens around three to five days after carving, but it can be longer in colder weather.
Environmental impact and wildlife concerns
It can take up to 20 years for a pumpkin to fully break down in landfill, and as they decompose, pumpkins release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Leaving pumpkins out for wildlife is also discouraged, as they can cause digestive issues in animals and introduce harmful bacteria into the environment.
Many local councils across the UK now encourage households to think twice before throwing pumpkins away, with many running pumpkin collection and composting schemes. Some councils also allow pumpkins to be collected in food waste caddies or brown bins, but rules may vary depending on where you live.
Turning pumpkins into meals
Households are urged to enjoy pumpkins to their fullest rather than getting rid of them as soon as Halloween is over. They can be turned into tasty meals, like soups or pies, while pumpkin seeds can be roasted to make a healthy snack.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “As a council, we are committed to reducing waste and making it as easy as possible for residents to recycle more. With weekly food caddy and brown bin collections now in place through Simpler Recycling, residents have a straightforward way to dispose of their Halloween pumpkins responsibly.” He added: “Whether you turn your pumpkin into a meal or contribute to turning them into compost, we can make Halloween environmentally friendly as well as fun.”
