Charlotte’s Eco-Friendly Halloween: How to Properly Dispose of Your Pumpkins After the Celebration

Charlotte Gears Up for Halloween: What to Do with Your Pumpkins After the Big Day

Well folks, Halloween is just around the corner, and if your pumpkins are starting to look a tad bit worse for wear—especially if you snagged them back in September—you’re not alone! Those cute little jack-o’-lanterns adorning your porch and living room may have been the stars of the show a few weeks ago, but come November, they’ll need to be retired and disposed of properly. But first, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to explore the wonderful tradition of pumpkin carving.

The History of Jack-O’-Lanterns

Believe it or not, the tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns traces back to the Celtic immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, and Cornwall. When they arrived in the United States, they brought along their custom of turning root vegetables into spooky lanterns. Initially, folks over in Ireland and Britain were hollowing out turnips and mangel wurzels, carving them up with creepy faces as a way to celebrate the season. This fascinating history adds a wonderful twist to your pumpkin-carving experience!

What to Do with Your Pumpkins Post-Halloween

Okay, so perhaps your masterpiece pumpkin is starting to sag a little and isn’t as eye-catching as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it has to go to waste! Just like your beloved holiday evergreen, pumpkins can be returned to nature in a sustainable manner. Instead of tossing them into the landfill, where they’ll struggle to decompose, there are several eco-friendly options in and around the Charlotte area to help you recycle those orange gourds.

Recycle Your Pumpkins in Charlotte

Here’s the scoop on where you can drop off your pumpkins once you finish enjoying Halloween:

• The NC Cooperative Extension

Located at 206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, this extension center lets you drop off your pumpkins and other compostable decorations between October 31-November 10 and November 23-December 4. Just make sure to remove any candles, googly eyes, or plastic items before you drop them off.

• Pumpkin Smash 2023

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, Scrap Daddy Composting is holding an exciting event at The Vine Methodist Church, 2101 Belvedere Avenue, Charlotte. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can participate in the fun of smashing pumpkins while knowing you’re doing a good deed for the environment!

• Darby Acres Sanctuary

If animals hold a special place in your heart, consider dropping off your pumpkins at Darby Acres, which is located at 9395 Hutchinson Lane, Charlotte. They are eager to share your pumpkins with their friendly pigs, porcupines, capybara, camels, and kangaroos. The best part? Pumpkins can be either carved or uncarved (just ensure they’re free of paint or ink).

Why Compost?

Harvesting those wonderful pumpkins into compost not only helps your garden but also benefits the environment. Pumpkins breaking down in landfills face a rough time since it’s hard for them to decompose properly in a space that lacks sufficient oxygen. Instead, consider using this easy composting method to give back to Mother Nature.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

As Halloween winds down and the spooky excitement begins to fade, make the most of those pumpkins that served as your cheerful decor. By recycling your pumpkins through any of the options highlighted above, you’re participating in an eco-friendly practice that not only clears out your home but also supports sustainability. Happy Halloween and let’s keep Charlotte green!