Don’t just pitch those pumpkins, try composting them

By Andrea Cordle Southeast Messenger Contributor Another Halloween has come and gone, leaving many to decide what to do with all those pumpkins. Instead of throwing them into the trash, pumpkins can be composted or repurposed. According to the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), more than a billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away every year in the United States. To keep all that organic material out of the landfill, residents are encouraged to compost pumpkins or gourds. “Pumpkins and gourds are festive fall decorations and when composted, become great additions to any soil, lawn or houseplant,” said Hanna Greer-Brown, director of communications for SWACO. “Not only is composting a great alternative to relying on the landfill, but it also helps to return important nutrients to the soil making it healthier and helping plants grow.” To compost your pumpkins at home, make sure you clean off any paint, decorations, or wax residue.

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