Now that Halloween is over, you may be ready to just toss your jack-o-lanterns in the trash, but there are more sustainable ways to dispose of pumpkins.
Every year, Michigan produces 79 million pounds of pumpkins, ranking fourth in the nation for pumpkin production, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
Across the U.S., Americans throw away over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins, so EGLE officials shared the following list of more sustainable options for getting rid of pumpkins.
Visit Eaton County’s pumpkin chuck
Eaton County Parks is hosting its first pumpkin chuck this weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 2, people can bring their pumpkins to catapult it.
Bringing a pumpkin is free, but any extra launches will cost $2 per pumpkin, according to Eaton County Parks.
Michiganders also have the option to roll their pumpkin down Eaton County Parks smashing course.
Bring pumpkins to Michigan State University’s drop-off center
People can bring their pumpkins to the Michigan State University Recycling Center’s public drop-off. They do not accept painted pumpkins or candles. The drop-off center is accepting pumpkins through Nov. 17.
Donate pumpkins as a treat for sheep
Another fun way to dispose of pumpkins is to donate them to be used as a tasty treat for sheep. People can bring their pumpkins to the Delhi Township Recycling Center at 1418 Grovenburg Road and look for the “Recycle Pumpkins Here” sign. Donated pumpkins shouldn’t be painted.
Drop pumpkins off at compost collection sites
Pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns can be dropped off at collection sites to be composted. Michigan residents can check with local municipalities and universities for drop-off sites around Halloween.
People can also use EGLE’s recycling directory to find sites, by typing “food scraps” in the search field.
Find waste collection services to pick up pumpkins
Michigan residents can find commercial food waste collection services, such as My Michigan Green, to pick up pumpkins and other food scraps from their homes to be composted.
Make it a snack for wildlife
EGLE officials say another more sustainable suggestion for disposing of pumpkins is to put them in a garden or wooded area as a snack for wildlife.
Compost the pumpkins at home
Michiganders are also encouraged to compost their pumpkins if they can.
“You can mix your pumpkins with your fall leaves in a bin to create compost that will help nourish your own soil next spring,” said Aaron Hiday of EGLE’s Materials Management Division.
For more information on composting, check out EGLE’s website.
