Halloween pumpkins: What to do come Nov. 1

(Photo: flickr/wwarby)

Contributed

When Halloween is over, instead of throwing your jack o lantern in the garbage, consider composting your Halloween pumpkin.

“Pumpkins are rich in nitrogen, a necessary part of your composter’s diet,” says Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart.

“Just chop up your pumpkin into smaller pieces and toss it into your backyard composter with some fall leaves. It will break down nicely to become a nutrient rich soil amendment you can put on your garden or flower beds next spring,” says Stewart.

It’s estimated that 25,000, or about nine tonnes of pumpkins will be disposed of this fall.*That’s a lot of great compost waiting to happen!

If you don’t compost, you can put your pumpkin in your yard waste cart for your next pickup on your regular yard waste collection day. Check your Living Greener Calendar, the My-Waste app, or regionaldistrict.com/recycle for yard waste pickup schedules in your area.

You can also take your pumpkin to the Glenmore Landfill or the Westside Residential Waste Disposal facility free of charge, along with grass, leaves, pine needles, fruit droppings and pruning’s up to 20 centimeters (8”) in diameter. The free drop-off for yard waste up to 250 kilograms runs year round.

For more information on composting or yard waste collection programs, visit regionaldistrict.com/recycle or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250.