How to dispose of Halloween pumpkins and gourds
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Halloween is over, which means many will have pumpkins that are leftover. So how do you get rid of your gourds?
Instead of throwing pumpkins away in the garbage, there are several ways you can get rid of them without creating unnecessary food waste.
Compost: Pumpkins can be composted in your home compost pile, according to SWACO. Clean them and remove any paint, decorations or wax residue. You can cut them pumpkin into small pieces so its easier to break down in your compost.
Recycling: Several places across central Ohio will accept your leftover pumpkins and gourds. Below is a list of locations near you.
- SWACO Recycling Convenience Center: Now through Dec. 14 at 2566 Jackson Pike, Columbus Ohio 43223, and open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- City of Columbus: Oct. 31 through Nov. 30 at 2100 Alum Creek Drive (Tuesday- Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm), 4260 Morse Road (Monday- Friday between 8 am and 12 pm; Saturday, November 2nd between 8 am and 12 pm) and 1550 Georgesville Road (Tuesday- Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm)
- Dublin: Now through Dec. 13 at 6555 Shier Rings Road
- Grandview: Nov. 4 through Nov. 29 at Wallace Gardens, 1581 Goodale Blvd.
- Grove City: Nov. 1 through Dec. 2 at Fryer Park, 3899 Orders Road
- New Albany: Now through Dec. 8 at New Albany Public Service, 7800 Bevelhymer Road
- Upper Arlington: Now through Dec. 8 at Fancyburg Park, 3375 Kioka Avenue
- Westerville: Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 at 350 Park Meadow Road and 469 Westdale Avenue
- Worthington: Nov. 1 through Dec. 1 at 380 Highland Avenue
- Bexley: Earth Peak Organics will pick up pumpkins from residents who participate in the food waste recycling program on Mondays and December 5. Residents can also drop off pumpkins at the collection point behind city hall.
Make food and snacks from pumpkins: You can scrape out the seeds of your pumpkin and roast them for a treat. Uncarved, fresh pumpkins can also be used to make pies, breads, soups and more.
Help out your local farmers: Cows, chickens and other farm animals will eat your leftover pumpkins, so some farms will accept pumpkin and gourd donations.
Intact and decaying pumpkins, carved jack-o-lanterns and gourds will be accepted, according to SWACO. Those who drop off their squash are asked to remove all candles and to avoid donating pumpkins that are painted or drawn on with permanent markers.