By this time of year, it’s likely that your Halloween pumpkins have started to rot.  It is estimated that over 1 BILLION POUNDS of pumpkins produced in the United States end up in a landfill. Before tossing your pumpkins (and gourds!)  in the trash, consider these sustainable options* to help fight food waste.

1. Compost it at home! If you compost at home or participate in a food scrap pick-up service you can cut up your pumpkin into smaller pieces and add it directly to your composting bin. Interested in composting and reducing food waste year round?  Click here to learn more.
2. Drop off at the Transfer Station: The Westport Transfer Station will accept pumpkins in their food scrap collection bins.
3. Participate in the Great Pumpkin Toss! The Westport Farmers Market and Action Waste Solutions will be accepting pumpkins and gourds at the Westport Farmers Market on Thursday, November 3 from 10-2 p.m. Pumpkins also provide food for livestock. Ox Hollow Farm will utilize pumpkins to feed the cows.
4. Eat it! If you purchased a variety that can be used for cooking,  you can transform yesterday’s decor into something delicious. Of course, be sure to use the seeds, regardless of the pumpkin type.

*Options 1-3 are only suitable for pumpkins and gourds in their natural state. Squishy and rotted pumpkins and gourds are welcome, but please note, decorated or painted items cannot be composted.