Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Pumpkins After Halloween
As Halloween approaches and carved jack-o’-lanterns begin to crumble, many people are left wondering what to do with their pumpkins after trick-or-treating. While tossing them in the trash may seem like the easiest option, experts suggest there are far better alternatives.
According to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District (SWD), over 1 billion tons of pumpkins are discarded each year, contributing significantly to the country’s food waste problem. Instead, experts recommend several eco-friendly options: composting, burying, leaving them out for wildlife, or even cooking with them.
For effective composting, it’s best to clean the pumpkins and remove any non-compostable materials before placing them in the yard or compost pile. As they decompose, pumpkins enrich the soil with nutrients, benefiting your garden.
Fresh, uncarved pumpkins can also be used in various recipes, while the seeds can be roasted for a crunchy snack.
This year, the Cuyahoga County SWD will provide ten drop-off locations for residents to dispose of their old, carved pumpkins properly. Twenty-yard collection containers will be available throughout Cuyahoga County, allowing residents to drop off their pumpkins for free.
Accepted items include intact and decaying pumpkins, carved jack-o’-lanterns, and gourds. However, residents are asked to remove any candles, decorations, and stickers before placing their pumpkins in the containers.
The pumpkin composting collection will run from October 31 to November 8 at the following locations:
- Beachwood: Beachwood City Lot, 23456 Mercantile Road
- Brecksville: Brecksville Service Department, 9023 Brecksville Road
- Independence: Elmwood Recreation Center, 6200 Wisnieski Parkway
- Lakewood: Kauffman Park, 15450 Detroit Avenue
- Mayfield Heights: City Park, 1533 Chelmsford Road
- Mayfield Village: Village Service Department, 610 SOM Center Road
- Seven Hills: Calvin Park, 2241 Mapleview Drive
- Strongsville: Youth Sports Park, 21255 Lunn Road
- University Heights: University Heights Library, 13866 Cedar Road
- Westlake: Westlake Police Department, 27300 Hilliard Boulevard
For more information on pumpkin disposal, visit the Cuyahoga County SWD website.
