Eight Ways to Recycle Your Pumpkins
Once you’ve packed up your ghouls and ghosts, you may wonder what to do with the gourds you’ve collected. Whether you’ve carved jack-o-lanterns or left them whole, we have a number of solutions that will save them from rotting in the landfill. Check out our tips on how to dispose of them properly, from tasty treats to bird feeders to everything in between.
Note: the majority of the ideas below, especially those that involve wildlife, do not apply to pumpkins that have been painted.
1. Put it in your compost pile
Did you know pumpkins are 90% water? This means they’ll break down pretty quickly once you chop them up. Just remember to prevent remove the seeds first to prevent any sprouting. If you don’t have your own compost pile or bin, check with nearby farms or community gardens to see if they may be in need.
2. Feed local foragers
We don’t recommend doing this right next to your home, as it may attract unwanted pests, but if you live in a more rural area you can chop up your pumpkins for animals like deer and squirrels. It will help them fatten up for winter. You can also save them for goats and pigs.
3. Make a bird feeder
How about turning that jack-o-lantern into a snack-o-lantern? Simply cut off the top half and scoop out the seeds if you haven’t already. Then, create perches with sticks or twigs, fill it with birdseed, and hang it from a tree. You’ll enjoy watching your feathered friends eat it up, and it will add a little fall color to your yard.
4. Share those seeds
Whether you make a specialized feeder or not, you’ll make birds happy by leaving them the seeds from your pumpkins. You can even mix them in with existing bird seed if you’d like. Just make sure to let them dry first, and of course, leave them plain.
5. Roast those seeds
If you’re a fan of this seasonal treat, we recommend you save a little for yourself! You’ll want to coat them with a bit of oil after you clean them, and then mix them with your favorite seasonings. Add salt for that classic roasted flavor, or sprinkle them with brown sugar and cinnamon to satisfy your sweet tooth.
6. Make a puree
The fresh version tastes so much better than canned! You can use it to make soup or bread, or sweeten it up for a pie recipe. If you’re not cooking anything right away, remember to use it within a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
7. Turn those strings into stock
Don’t let these those seemingly useless strands of pumpkin go to waste! They’re actually quite useful for autumn vegetable stock. Once you’ve removed them, put them in a big pot with other vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add a bay leaf or two, cover everything with water, and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. After you strain out the vegetables, you’ll have a rich, flavorful base for soup, chowder, or risotto.
8. Save them for Thanksgiving
One other option for your whole pumpkins: save them for November. You can continue to use them to brighten up your outdoor space, or you can set them aside for festive table decorations. If you keep them out of heat and direct sunlight (hopefully our 80-degree days are over), they’ll last that much longer.