What to Do with Your Pumpkins After Halloween
Once this evening's spooky allure has worn off, you might wonder what to do with your pumpkins. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider some creative and eco-friendly options, any of which kids will love to be a part of!
Roast and Enjoy the Seeds
One delicious way to repurpose your pumpkins is by roasting the seeds. Simply rinse and dry the seeds, toss them in a bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake them in the oven until crispy. They make a tasty snack and a nutritious addition to salads or trail mix!
Turn Seeds into Bird Seed
If you’re a bird lover, why not turn your pumpkin seeds into birdseed? Many birds enjoy munching on these seeds, making it a perfect treat to attract feathered friends to your yard. Simply bake them without any seasoning or oil and once dried, set them out for our feathered friends.
Compost Your Pumpkins
Another excellent option is to compost your pumpkins. Composting not only reduces waste but also enriches the soil for future gardening. For a step-by-step guide on how to compost effectively, check out Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s composting guide here.
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City of Houston Pumpkin Composting Drop-Off
If you prefer to drop off your pumpkins, the City of Houston offers a convenient Pumpkin Composting Drop-Off program. From November 1 to December 6, 2024, residents can bring their jack-o-lanterns, whole pumpkins, seeds, and pumpkin pulp to various locations. Here are the details:
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City of Houston Reuse Warehouse
- 9003 N. Main St., Houston, TX 77022
- Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Open every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
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Westpark Recycling Center
- 5900 Westpark, Houston, TX 77339
- Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This program is a great way to ensure your pumpkins are composted rather than ending up in landfills.
Donate to Local Farms
You can also consider donating your pumpkins to local farms. Many farmers accept pumpkin donations to feed their livestock, and some will even take your carved pumpkins! Here are a few local options:
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Contact: Kristen Brown
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Phone: 713-628-0759
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Notes: Takes carved pumpkins and offers pickup (please call ahead).
- Contact: Jennifer O'Rourke
- Address: 26337 Forest Hills Ln, Waller, TX 77484
- Phone: 210-912-0689
- Notes: Accepts carved pumpkins; donations can be placed inside the black box by the front gate if no one is home.
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Contact: Kelly Hutson
- Address: 16298 Cedar Lane Loop, Willis, TX 77378
- Phone: 713-724-2663
- Notes: Please call ahead of arrival.
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Contact: Michelle Lumpkin-Browning
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Phone: 281-788-0351
- Notes: Please call ahead of arrival.
This Halloween season, let’s make the most of our pumpkins and give them a second life! Whether you choose to eat, compost, or donate, you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
