Every year in the U.S., farmers grow over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins, mostly for decoration purposes, and most end up in landfills after Halloween. Unfortunately, pumpkins can’t decompose properly in landfills due to the lack of oxygen; instead, they produce methane, a greenhouse gas that harms the environment.
Want to give your pumpkins a second life and help reduce their impact on the environment and landfills? Start by composting your pumpkins after Halloween; it’s a great way to reduce waste and improve your garden’s soil. There are other things you can do with them too, and we’ve lined up seven ways to recycle and upcycle your pumpkins. (Hint: One great way is to save your seeds to grow your own pumpkins next year.)
What to Do With Your Pumpkins After Halloween
Compost Your Pumpkins
One of the most eco-friendly ways to repurpose pumpkins is by composting them. Jessica Mercer, Ph.D., horticulturist at Plant Addicts, explains that “you can use pumpkins as the ‘green’ material for a compost pile because they are moist and break down fairly quickly. Combine them with carbon-rich ‘brown’ materials like fall leaves.” Once the compost cycle is over, you can add it to your garden beds to raise organic matter and help build soil structure.
How to Compost Your Pumpkins
Before you get excited about composting your pumpkins, note that it does involve a few steps, especially if you decorate them. Mercer shares important steps to take:
- Remove any decorations: Think of anything you added that wasn’t naturally in the pumpkin, such as candles and stickers.
- Cut your pumpkin into small pieces: This step speeds up composting and makes it easier to fit in a compost bin, if you have one.
- Mix them with other organic materials: Dried leaves, cardboard, or straw are good options. This process helps “control odors and animal activity,” Mercer notes.
- Rotate: Composting takes time, so rotate your compost bin or pile periodically.
Leslie F. Halleck, CPH, author of “Home Greenhouse Revival,” adds, “Once [pumpkin] compost is broken down to the texture of a loose dark crumbly soil, it’s an excellent organic amendment for your garden beds.”
Make a Meal
Pumpkins can last up to 12 weeks if they are intact and healthy. If you carve them, you can save the pieces and seeds you removed. Pumpkins are tasty and rich in nutrients. You can make soup or pie, roast them, or turn them into a sauce. Want to learn more ideas? Check out these 10 ways you can cook your pumpkins. You can also roast the seeds for a healthy snack.
Donate Them to Your Local Animal Farm
Many animal farms accept pumpkin donations after Halloween to feed their animals. Halleck recommends checking with your local farms or even neighbors who have livestock. Also, if you have chickens, they “will make quick work of them.” Call your local animal farm to see if they accept pumpkin donations. Alternatively, check the Pumpkins for Pigs website, which has a directory of farms nationwide that accept pumpkins.
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Feed Them to Local Wildlife
Although you may not want to encourage wildlife to hang out in your yard, pumpkins can be a treat. Deer, squirrels, and birds love them. Halleck shares important advice before you feed leftover pumpkin to an animal, or even yourself: “Just make sure before you feed wildlife (or you) with your leftover pumpkins that any and all non-organic matter has been removed.”
Bring Them to Your Town’s Composting Program Site
Many towns across the country run composting programs where you can bring leftover pumpkins to be composted. Some towns also host pumpkin smash or drop-off events on specific days where you can bring your pumpkins. For instance, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shares pumpkin drop-off events and lists several places where you can donate them.
Related: How to Mulch Leaves With Your Lawnmower to Cut Down on Raking
Save the Seed to Grow Your Own
If you’re up for growing your own pumpkins, you can save the seeds and try growing them next year. Mercer explains a very simple process: “Remove the seeds, clean and dry them thoroughly, and store them in a cool and dry location until spring.” She also emphasizes that, depending on the pumpkin variety you have, next year’s results may look different because of cross-pollination with other squash.
Turn Your Pumpkin into a Temporary Planter
Another great option is to extend the life of uncarved pumpkins by turning them into temporary fall planters and adding an extra nice touch to your Thanksgiving and fall decor. Follow these steps to make your own pumpkin planter according to Mercer:
- Cut off the top
- Remove the seeds and pulp
- Fill the interior with potting mix
- Plant it with pansies or another cool-season plant
- Once the pumpkin begins to soften, remove the plant and add the pumpkin shell to the compost pile
Choose one or more of these ways to upcycle your pumpkins and feel good knowing you’re helping reduce waste.
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