How to Responsibly Dispose of Halloween Pumpkins (+ 10 Pumpkin Recipes)

An estimated 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are left to rot in landfills in the United States. That’s about 45,000 large dump trucks’ worth. When food waste goes to landfill, it emits methane, a gas with 81x the warming power of CO2e.

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So skip the bin and get the most out of every pumpkin decoration this fall.

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Use it up with 10 Pumpkin Recipes

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If you’re carving Halloween pumpkins, keep the insides and seeds to make the recipes below. If you have too many pumpkins or can't use them all, share them with friends, family, or neighbors who can put them to good use.

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Feed wildlife

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By offering leftover pumpkins to local wildlife, you contribute to their diet and reduce food waste in an eco-friendly way. Many animals, including deer, squirrels, birds, and raccoons, can enjoy pumpkins. However, it's crucial to follow responsible guidelines.

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Be aware of local regulations and guidelines regarding feeding wildlife. Some areas may discourage or prohibit feeding wildlife due to potential ecological imbalances or disease transmission.
Remove any non-organic decorations, such as candles or paint, to ensure safety.
Ensure the pumpkin is free of mold or rot, as these can be toxic to wildlife.
Place the pumpkins in an area where wildlife typically forages, like near wooded areas or natural habitats.

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Important note: Don't overdo it. A single carved pumpkin can be a treat for wildlife, but offering too many can disrupt their natural diet and behavior.

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Compost your pumpkin

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If you can't find a use for the remaining pumpkin parts, compost them instead of sending them to the landfill. Pumpkin scraps enrich your compost with valuable nutrients. If you can’t compost it, many communities offer pumpkin recycling programs or curbside pickup.

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Want to start composting? Use our guide.

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