Households across the UK are being urged not to throw pumpkins into general waste bins after Halloween to prevent them from ending up in landfill. Carving and displaying pumpkins outside homes has long been a Halloween tradition and has grown increasingly popular across the UK in recent years.
According to folklore, carving a frightening face into a pumpkin is said to ward off evil spirits, but these days it is more widely seen as a sign that a household is joining in the Halloween celebrations and is happy to welcome trick-or-treaters. While pumpkins are now firmly part of the spooky fun on October 31, once the festivities are over households are being encouraged to ensure they dispose of the orange fruit in the right way.
Why pumpkins should not go to landfill
Waste experts are calling on households to avoid throwing pumpkins in general waste bins after Halloween to stop them going to landfill and instead, pop them in the compost bin or heap, or alternatively use their food waste bin.
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."
"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."
"Alternatively, use your food waste bin. Check with your local council or recycling service to see if they offer food waste collection for organic materials like pumpkins," reports the Express.
How to dispose of pumpkins properly
Once your pumpkin begins to display signs of rot, such as browning, mould or going soft, you should dispose of it as quickly as possible. This usually occurs around three to five days after carving, though it can last longer in colder conditions.
It can take up to 20 years for a pumpkin to completely decompose in landfill, so the environmental damage is far more significant than many people might think, and as they rot, pumpkins emit methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that adds to climate change. Therefore, it's crucial to get rid of the fruit properly in home compost bins or compost heaps.
Leaving pumpkins outside for wildlife is also a major mistake as they can trigger digestive problems in animals and spread harmful bacteria into the environment.
Council initiatives and alternative uses
Numerous local councils throughout the UK now urge households to reconsider before binning pumpkins, with many operating pumpkin collection and composting initiatives so pumpkins can be dealt with responsibly.
Some UK councils also permit pumpkins to be collected in food waste caddies or brown bins, but regulations may differ depending on where you live so be sure to check first.
Households are being encouraged to make the most of their pumpkins rather than throwing them away the moment Halloween is over, making it the perfect chance to transform them into delicious dishes such as soups or pies, while pumpkin seeds can be toasted to create a nutritious 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."
"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."
