How To Dispose Of Pumpkins After Halloween: Resolved

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

As the Halloween season ends, you might wonder what to do with those pumpkins on your doorstep.

Well, you don’t have to worry. I’ve been through this many times, and I can help you with how to dispose of pumpkins after Halloween.

From composting to making yummy treats, we’ll say goodbye to our Jack-o’-lanterns in an environmentally-friendly and rewarding manner. Keep on reading.

5 Simple Tips To Dispose Of Your Pumpkins After Halloween

1. Donate It

Make a positive impact on local farmers by donating your pumpkins. Livestock loves them as a nutritious treat, and your gesture can support agricultural communities.

2. You Can Smash It

Have some fun while benefiting local wildlife. Smash your pumpkins into smaller pieces and scatter them around. Remember to remove the seeds to avoid unexpected pumpkin patches.

3. Compost The Pumpkins

Transform your pumpkins into nutrient-rich compost. If you have a compost bin or know someone who does, let the natural decomposition process enrich the soil.

Remember to remove the seeds beforehand. But when do you carve pumpkins for Halloween?

4. Bury In The Garden

Find a suitable spot away from your plants, dig a hole, and place the pumpkin inside. Cover it with soil and let it decompose naturally.

“Only the knife knows what goes on in the heart of a pumpkin.”
– Simone Schwarz-Bart, French Novelist

This process will enrich your garden’s soil with valuable nutrients, helping it stay healthy.

5. Enjoy Them As Food

If your pumpkins [1] are fresh and untouched, why not try making delicious dishes?

From classic pumpkin pies to tasty soups and mouth-watering muffins, there are countless recipes to explore.

Not only does this reduce waste, but it also lets you enjoy pumpkins’ natural sweetness and health benefits.

Is It Okay To Throw Away Pumpkins?

No, throwing away pumpkins is not advisable. When pumpkins end up in the trash, they decompose in landfills and release methane gas, which harms the environment.

Instead, consider more environmentally-friendly options like composting, donating to local farmers, or burying them in your garden.

These methods allow pumpkins to break down naturally and contribute to the soil’s health without emitting harmful gasses.

Read:

What Can I Do With Leftover Pumpkins?

1. Decorate Your Home

Beyond Halloween, pumpkins can add a touch of autumnal charm to your living space.

Place them strategically on your porch, mantle, or dining table for a cozy ambiance throughout the season.

Find out how you can make Halloween decorations using paper here.

2. Create a Planter

Don’t let those pumpkins go to waste! Hollow them out, add some soil, and use them as unique planters for flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs.

The natural aesthetics of pumpkins will bring a delightful touch to your indoor or outdoor garden.

3. Indulge in Pumpkin Spice Latte

Why limit the enjoyment of pumpkin spice lattes to cafes? Make your own at home using real pumpkin puree, aromatic spices, and your favorite coffee blend.

It’s a comforting treat to enjoy on chilly days, and you can customize it to suit your taste perfectly.

Find out how much pumpkins cost at the pumpkin patch here.

4. Attract Birds

Carved-out pumpkins can serve as a delightful bird buffet or bath, attracting feathered friends to your garden.

Fill them with birdseed or freshwater, and watch as local birds flock to enjoy their seasonal feast or take a refreshing dip.

5. Delight in Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkins’ culinary potential goes beyond pumpkin pies. Explore an array of recipes to elevate your dining experience.

“After the fun of Halloween, show kindness to the environment by responsibly disposing of pumpkins.”
– Howkapow Gift Site

Whip up creamy pumpkin soups, hearty stews, roasted pumpkin dishes, or experiment with pumpkin-based desserts to tantalize your taste buds.

6. Nourish Your Skin

Pamper yourself with a homemade pumpkin face mask. Its natural enzymes and vitamins can help moisturize, calm, and restore your skin to look and feel renewed and vibrant.

7. Enrich Your Garden

Composting leftover pumpkins is an eco-friendly way to give back to the environment.

As they break down, pumpkins release valuable nutrients into the soil, enriching your garden and promoting healthy plant growth.

8. Brew Pumpkin Beer

Making your pumpkin beer can be a fun and flavorful project for beer enthusiasts and homebrewers.

Add pumpkins and seasonal spices to your brew for a distinctive and celebratory beverage.

Also Read: When Will Home Depot Put Out Halloween Decorations?

Which Animals Eat Pumpkins Shortly After Halloween?

Squirrels, foxes, raccoons, and various other wild animals enjoy eating pumpkins shortly after Halloween.

These resourceful creatures see discarded pumpkins as a delectable feast, feasting on the flesh and seeds left behind.

FAQs

Is it alright to throw pumpkins into the woods?

No, throwing pumpkins in wooded areas near your home may not be a good idea. As pumpkins decay, they can attract unwanted animals and potentially harm wildlife.

What can you do with pumpkin scraps?

You can use pumpkin pulp to create flavorful homemade vegetable stock [2], reducing food waste and enhancing your dishes’ taste.

Or get creative with pureed pumpkin pulp, incorporating it into recipes like pumpkin bread, oatmeal, rice, hummus, and pumpkin butter.

Check out these ideas on making Halloween potion bottles here.

Final Words

Disposing of pumpkins responsibly after Halloween is crucial for the environment. Throwing them in the trash is not a good idea, as it releases harmful methane gas in landfills.

So, choose eco-friendly alternatives like composting, donating to local farmers, or burying them in your garden.

These methods prevent environmental harm, contribute to the soil’s health, and support agricultural communities.

Now, let’s make a positive impact by saying goodbye to our pumpkins correctly.

References:

https://draxe.com/nutrition/canned-pumpkin-nutrition/

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8040881/stock-vs-broth/

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Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].