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AUP Students' Union

5 Ways to Avoid Pumpkin Waste

Harriet Moore, SU Manager

Edited: 28th August, 2024


Did you know that over 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin waste gets thrown away every year after Halloween? Can you believe that only 60% of people use the pumpkin flesh that they carve out? What a waste!


If you want to find ways to reduce this and help reduce environment harm, here are some alternatives to chucking out your spooky creations...


Photograph by Ray Goodwin.


Try adding it to your weeks meal prep!

Pumpkin can be used in a whole host of recipes, everything from soup to bread or even a homemade pumpkin-spiced latte!


Why not roast the seeds?

Pumpkin seeds can be a tasty, healthy snack - just add a little seasoning. As students, budgets can be a little tight this time of year, so why waste them when they could be something a little extra? If you don't fancy them on their own, try adding them to bread, salad or whatever else you fancy!


Don't like the seeds, why not plant them?

Separate the seeds out from the pulp, wash them over then leave to dry for around a week. Once suitably dried, store the seeds until it's appropriate to plant them; the best time is between late May and early summer, in a sunny but sheltered spot.

Not sure you fancy eating it? Animals will!

No worries, there's still ways to ensure your pumpkin doesn't entirely go to waste. You could try putting it out in your garden or taking it to your local park because animals love pumpkins. There's no need to chop it up because squirrels, foxes, badgers and more will happily tuck in as-is, but do be careful to leave it out of reach for hedgehogs, as it's harmful for them.


Lastly, just give it back to the ground!

Failing that, simply cut up your pumpkin and add it to a compost pile - the worms and your plants will be very appreciative of the extra nutrients!


Happy Halloween!


Best, Harriet

Student Union President

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