Guide to Reuse & Recycle Pumpkins Post Halloween Holiday
Every year from mid-September until Halloween we flock to local farmer’s markets to buy and collect fresh, bright orange pumpkins for painting, carving and decorations. But when the calendar turns to November many get tossed in the trash awaiting garbage pickup and end up rotting in a landfill. If you’re wondering if there is a more eco-friendly way to recycle pumpkins, refer to our list below of easy ways you can repurpose your pumpkin after Halloween ends! Please keep in mind that many of these methods can only be applied to unpainted pumpkins as the toxins in paint can be harmful to the environment, humans and wildlife animals.
8 Simple Ways to Recycle, Repurpose & Reuse Halloween Pumpkins
Donate: Almost all zoos, animal shelters, farms and community gardens will happily accept donated pumpkins and repurpose them for compost, animal food and more! Call around to local farms and organizations to confirm they will take your pumpkin before you make the drive.Roast Pumpkin Seeds: A classic and healthy snack that is so simple to make! Scoop the innards out of the pumpkin and separate the seeds from the guts. Wash thoroughly, dry and toss with oil & your preferred seasonings and make until roasted.Make Pumpkin Puree: As Thanksgiving is now approaching, you’ll probably be buying lots of pumpkin pie. If you want to recycle your pumpkin and save some money, make your own puree for pies and soups!Pumpkin Planter: Add soil to your pumpkin about 1/3 full, place your plant inside the pumpkin and top with more soil. Place the entire pumpkin planter into your garden. Over time it will naturally break down adding an organic fertilizer!Feed the Wildlife: Deer, rabbits, mice, squirrels and chipmunks all love to much on non-painted pumpkins! Cut yours into pieces and leave it in a rural area at a safe distance from your home.Create Compost: Pumpkins break down very quickly and make a great addition to your compost pile! To prevent unwanted plants from sprouting make sure you remove the seeds.Bird Feeder: Birds will love to nibble seeds out of a fresh pumpkin or jack-o-lantern hanging in your backyard!Plant the Seeds: If you’re an avid gardener you can plant the seeds for next season!Visit Fiorentino’s Farm Market this fall season for fresh fruits, vegetables and seasonal Halloween decoration items! We’re open daily through Halloween from 7AM – 8PM, call 609-561-0300 for questions or more information.
Every year from mid-September until Halloween we flock to local farmer’s markets to buy and collect fresh, bright orange pumpkins for painting, carving and decorations. But when the calendar turns to November many get tossed in the trash awaiting garbage pickup and end up rotting in a landfill. If you’re wondering if there is a more eco-friendly way to recycle pumpkins, refer to our list below of easy ways you can repurpose your pumpkin after Halloween ends! Please keep in mind that many of these methods can only be applied to unpainted pumpkins as the toxins in paint can be harmful to the environment, humans and wildlife animals.