The Guilt-Free Way to Get Rid of Halloween Pumpkins
The Halloween season is a festive time of year that calls for creative costumes, spooky decorations, and, of course, the traditional Halloween pumpkin. Many households buy pumpkins leading up to Halloween to carve spooky faces or designs—but what happens to those pumpkins once the holiday is over?
It’s easy to throw away your pumpkins without a second thought, but there are more eco-friendly ways to get rid of them. By considering a few alternative methods, you can prevent pumpkins from sitting in landfills and rotting unnecessarily. Here’s a guide on how to get rid of Halloween pumpkins in a guilt-free way
Process for Pumpkin Disposal
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Compost Your Pumpkin: The simplest way to get rid of your Halloween pumpkin is to compost it in your own yard. Most parts of a pumpkin are compostable and will break down naturally. If your city collects compostable waste for urban composting, consider putting it in the bin.
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Feed Animals: If you have backyard chickens, ducks, or wild animals in your area, you can feed them your pumpkin guts. The seeds, pulp, and flesh are edible and nutritious for animals, but make sure to remove the stem, as it can prove dangerous. It’s also important to keep in mind that if you’re going to feed backyard poultry, it should not contain any chemicals or other seasonings.
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Donate to a Local Food Bank: Pumpkins are a great way to supplement a meal, so if you have an extra pumpkin lying around, consider donating it to a local food bank or homeless shelter. The pumpkin will help people in need and make sure that it is not going to waste.
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Make a Bird Feeder: If you have a bird feeder, you can use your pumpkin to attract feathered friends. Hollow out the pumpkin, fill it with birdseed, and hang it outside. This is a fun and unique way to get rid of your jack-o-lantern and help out the local wildlife.
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Use it as a Planter: Small pumpkins can also be used as makeshift planters! Carve a hole in the top, fill it with soil, and add a few decorative succulents. This way, you can enjoy a festive planter throughout the winter months.
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Blend it: Pumpkins are delicious, nutritious, and can be made into a variety of recipes. If you’re feeling creative, you can roast your pumpkin, blend it up, and freeze it for later. You can also add it to smoothies, soups, and other dishes to add a festive flavor.
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Cut it Up: This is probably the most labor-intensive way to dispose of your pumpkins, but it’s also the most useful. Cut up the pumpkin and use the pieces as mulch for your garden. The pieces will help retain moisture in the soil and keep weeds at bay.
When it comes to getting rid of Halloween pumpkins, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to throwing it away in a landfill. By composting, donating, or even reusing the pumpkins, you can reduce waste and make sure they are put to good use. The methods listed above are all great ways to get rid of your pumpkin in a guilt-free way. Try one out today and make sure your pumpkins don’t go to waste!