How To Dispose of Pumpkins Without Harming the Environment!

As the harvest season winds down and your pumpkins start to mold, it might be tempting to throw them away, but there are far safer ways for disposing of them. Here are some responsible methods of getting rid of your pumpkins this season:

One of the most common ways to properly dispose of pumpkins is composting. Composting is an easy and environmentally friendly way to get rid of your drooping pumpkins. If treated properly, they can break down quickly. Before composting, make sure to remove any additions to the pumpkin such as wax, paint, plastic, and other decorations. These can be harmful to the soil and will slow the process. Break it up into smaller pieces then add it to the pile and cover with leaves or cardboard. If you do not have a pile dedicated to compost, you can bury the pumpkin by digging an eight-inch hole and placing the cut up pieces inside. If your pumpkin has not molded, you can still save the seeds! They can be cleaned by thoroughly rinsing under water and letting them fully dry. A second responsible way to dispose of pumpkins is by checking in your community for specific pumpkin disposals and drop-off sites. Some areas host days or events where people can drop off, and sometimes even smash their pumpkins in bulk. Depending on where you live, there may be designated areas in which you can bring your pumpkins. If your pumpkins are still in great shape, meaning there are no decorations and they are not molded, call and drop them off at your local zoo. Since zoos have varying guidelines, calling ahead of time may be helpful.

Taking the extra steps to ensure you are properly disposing of pumpkins may seem like an inconvenience, but you are helping to protect the environment by limiting contact with animals and reducing harmful emissions. It is a simple way of giving back to the earth!