Pumpkin recycling – Smash it, don’t trash it! Or so that is what we have read when GLAMoms has been searching for what to do with the pumpkins!
You may need pumpkins recycling options if you do not have locals visiting near your house (deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.)! Let GLAMoms help so you can plan what to do with this ghoulish gourd after October 31.
One thing we do not want to do – do not toss the pumpkin in the trash! Why? When it is left in the trash, hauled off to a landfill and as it sits with other trash, it can contribute to global warming because they emit methane and are made up of mostly water. The water (or moisture) from pumpkins can also end up in landfills and may trickle down to water supplies.**
Pumpkin Recycling can done many ways.
- Composting – compost bin, or drop off at a collection site
- Repurposing – make a pie or something delicious. If you need inspiration, visit a link to fall recipes here! Perhaps you could add more pumpkins to your fall decor! Lots of ways to repurpose!
- Donate – there are many places to donate, some listed below; or reach out to a community garden or ask an area farmer.
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy shares, composting your jack-o’-lantern keeps waste out of landfills, nourishes soil – more here.
Some ways to put your pumpkins to good use and Pumpkin Recycling events:
Pumpkin Plop at MSU Recycling Center, November 1-15. Be sure to remove candles and any lights from the inside of the pumpkins before plopping it off. More information HERE.
Eaton County Parks and Rec is hosting its first PUMPKIN CHUCK at Fitzgerald Park on November 2. Pumpkin donations are also being requested. *Donations must be dropped off by November 1. More information can be found at their Facebook Event.
Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary in Grand Ledge – Drop off anytime between 8am – 7pm near the main barn. No painted or bleached pumpkins, please.
Clean Refillery in REO Town is hosting a Pumpkin Composting event in collaboration with @eastsidecompost – on either November 11 or November 29 (Small Business Saturday), you are welcome to drop off your gourds and pumpkins and they will take them for composting!
Eastside Compost is hosting a Pumpkin Toss at Hunter Park on Saturday, November 15.
GLAMoms took a poll at school earlier this week and this is what some resourceful moms shared as more ideas – eight creative and practical things you can do with pumpkins after Halloween:
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Pumpkin Puree: Make homemade pumpkin puree by roasting and blending the pumpkin flesh for use in soups, pies, and breads.
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Bird Feeder: Cut your pumpkin in half, fill it with birdseed, maybe some peanut butter, and hang it outside as a natural bird feeder.
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Roasted Seeds: Clean and roast the pumpkin seeds with your favorite spices for a healthy snack.
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Animal Feed: Donate pumpkins to local farms or zoos, as many animals enjoy eating pumpkin.
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Face Mask: Use pumpkin puree to create a DIY face mask, rich in vitamins A and C for your skin – if you see a recipe for this, sending it our way! GLAMoms is interested in learning more.
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Pumpkin Butter: Cook down pumpkin puree with spices and sweeteners to make a delicious spread.
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Decorative Crafts: Carve or paint leftover pumpkins for festive Thanksgiving or autumn decorations.
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Pumpkin Soup: Use the pumpkin flesh in hearty fall soups or stews for a comforting meal.
You can find other ways to recycle, repurpose and compost in the Greater Lansing area – also includes some useful information about the upcoming holidays, recycling holiday lights, trees and more! Visit greaterlansingareamoms.com/more-greater-lansing-area-recycling/ for more information!
**this information is directly from a conversation where a recent STEAM lesson was described by the 9yo GLAM-Kid – you may want to fact check it! Either way, SMASH IT, Don’t trash it!
If we missed an upcoming opportunity to rid our porch of the decomposing pumpkin, please email us the details (or a link) and we will update this list! [email protected]
