Every autumn, millions of pumpkins end up in the bin once Halloween and Bonfire Night have passed. But pumpkins are far more than just decorations – they’re full of goodness and can be put to great use even after the festivities are over. Here are some simple, eco-friendly ways to give your pumpkins a second life.
1. Compost It
Pumpkins break down easily, so they’re great for composting. Just make sure to get rid of any paint, candles or glitter first, then cut the pumpkin into chunks and add it to your compost heap or dig it into the garden. Before long, it’ll decompose and turn into lovely, rich compost that gives your soil a real boost.
2. Feed the Wildlife
Wildlife can’t resist pumpkins. Squirrels, birds, rabbits and even deer will happily tuck in. Just cut your pumpkin in half, take off any decorations or paint, and leave it somewhere quiet in your garden. Avoid leaving it on the ground, as pumpkin can make hedgehogs ill. Instead, pop it on a bird table, wall, or raised surface so that animals who can safely enjoy it still get a treat. Birds especially love the seeds, so scatter a few around for them to find. It’s an easy, feel-good way to help local animals while keeping waste out of the bin.
3. Turn It into a Bird Feeder
If you fancy getting a bit creative, turn your pumpkin into a bird feeder. Scoop out the middle, fill it with birdseed, and hang it up with some string. It looks lovely and gives the birds a handy source of food when things get chilly.
4. Cook with It
If your pumpkin hasn’t been carved or left outside for too long, it’s probably still fine to eat. You can roast the flesh for a cosy autumn side dish, turn it into a hearty soup, or blend it into a smooth purée for pies, muffins or even a homemade pumpkin spiced latte. And don’t forget about the seeds – roast them with a pinch of salt for a crunchy, wholesome snack.
5. Use for Skincare
Pumpkins are packed with natural enzymes and vitamins that can help brighten and soften your skin. Mix a bit of pumpkin purée with honey, oats or yoghurt to make a gentle exfoliating face mask. Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. It’s a simple, homemade treat that’ll leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed – no expensive products needed.
6. Save the Seeds for Planting
If you’ve got a garden, it’s worth saving a few pumpkin seeds to plant next year. Give them a good clean, dry them out properly, and store them in a paper envelope somewhere cool and dark. When spring arrives – usually late April to May – you can sow them indoors or directly into the soil once the frost has passed. Growing your own pumpkins next season is a lovely way to stay connected to nature’s cycle and it makes the harvest feel that bit more rewarding.
Give your pumpkin a second life
Throwing pumpkins in the bin adds to landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions – in fact, around 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin waste are sent to landfill each year after Halloween – but with a little effort, you can turn them into compost, food or wildlife treats. This autumn, make the most of your pumpkin – long after the spooky season’s gone.
