With Halloween just days away and pumpkins beginning to appear on porches across Houston area neighborhoods, now is the perfect time to start thinking about what to do with them once the festivities are over. Instead of sending them straight to the landfill, residents across the Greater Houston area have a variety of eco-friendly, educational, and even charitable options to give their pumpkins a second purpose—many of which the whole family can enjoy.

Roast the Seeds for a Healthy Snack

Pumpkin seeds are a simple, nutritious treat—and roasting them is a fun, hands-on kitchen activity for kids. Start by rinsing off the seeds, drying them thoroughly, and tossing them in a bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Bake at 350°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, tossing a few times for even browning. You can explore different flavor blends, from cinnamon sugar to spicy paprika, to find what your family loves most.

Prefer to share the love with local wildlife? Roast the seeds without oil or seasoning to create a bird-safe snack. Once cooled, they can be scattered in your backyard or placed in a feeder to attract chickadees and other feathered visitors.

Compost Your Pumpkins

Composting pumpkins is one of the most sustainable ways to dispose of them. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension experts, allowing the pumpkin to dry out and breaking it into small pieces helps it decompose faster in your compost pile. Pumpkin flesh is rich in nutrients that can enhance your garden soil come spring.

If home composting isn’t an option, the City of Houston is once again offering its Annual Pumpkin Compost Drop-Off Program, now in its fifth year. The program runs October 25 through November 29, 2025, and allows residents to drop off their used or unused pumpkins to be turned into nutrient-rich compost for city parks and green spaces.

In 2024, the city collected over 25,260 pounds of pumpkins—a record-breaking achievement they hope to surpass this year. Before dropping off your pumpkins, be sure to remove all candles, paint, stickers, or other decorations.

Drop-Off Locations

• City of Houston Reuse Warehouse

  • 9003 N Main St, Houston, TX 77022 (MAP)

  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Westpark Recycling Center

  • 5900 Westpark, Houston, TX 77339 (MAP)

  • Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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“We’re proud to see Houstonians embracing composting and taking action to reduce waste,” said Solid Waste Management Director Larius Hassen. “It’s amazing to see how something as simple as a leftover pumpkin can help grow a more sustainable Houston.”

Council Member Sallie Alcorn added, “Pumpkins are everywhere, and I love seeing them. They get me excited for Halloween and Thanksgiving... When your once-glorious pumpkin is ready to be retired, don’t throw it in the trash. Take advantage of the city’s pumpkin composting initiative.”

Feed Local Farm Animals

Your gently used pumpkins may become a hearty meal for local livestock—and several farms across Southeast Texas welcome these seasonal donations. Many will accept both whole and carved pumpkins, as well as gourds, hay, straw, fruits, and vegetables. Some even offer pickup options.

Here are local farms currently accepting pumpkin donations:

Klovenski Farms – Plantersville, TX

• Contact: Kristen Brown
• Phone: 713-628-0759
• Address: 10023 County Rd 313, Plantersville, TX 77363 (MAP)
• Accepted Items: Pumpkins (including carved), gourds, acorns, hay, straw, fruits, vegetables
• Drop-Off Instructions: Please call ahead.
• Willing to Pick Up: Yes

O'Rourke Farms – Waller, TX

• Contact: Jennifer O'Rourke
• Phone: 210-912-0689
• Address: 26337 Forest Hills Ln, Waller, TX 77484 (MAP)
• Accepted Items: Carved pumpkins
• Drop-Off Instructions: Donations may be placed inside the black box by the front gate if no one is home.

Wild Rose Farm – Cat Spring, TX

• Contact: Sarah Ferrell
• Phone: 281-704-6890
• Address: 16723 Sycamore Rd, Cat Spring, TX 78933 (MAP)
• Accepted Items: Pumpkins (including carved), gourds, hay, straw, fruits, vegetables
• Drop-Off Instructions: Please call ahead.
• Willing to Pick Up: Yes

SkyJax Farm – Cleveland, TX

• Contact: Pamela Alberta
• Phone: 508-631-4588
• Address: 300 County Rd 2228A, Cleveland, TX 77327 (MAP)
• Accepted Items: Pumpkins, gourds, watermelons, kale
• Drop-Off Instructions: Please contact before drop-off.

The Least of These Animal Sanctuary – Willis, TX

• Contact: Kelly Hutson
• Phone: 713-724-2663
• Address: 16298 Cedar Lane Loop, Willis, TX 77378 (MAP)
• Drop-Off Instructions: Please call ahead of arrival.

Before heading out, always call in advance to confirm donation times, guidelines, and whether pickup is available. These generous farms are helping give pumpkins a second life—and your donation helps nourish local animals and reduce food waste in the community.

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Use Pumpkins as Bird Feeders or Décor

Beyond seeds, pumpkins themselves can be used to create DIY bird feeders. According to AgriLife Extension wildlife specialists, birds love the nutrient-rich flesh—and the hollowed-out shells make great feeder bases. Just avoid adding any seasonings, and skip the bleach-based preservation techniques as they can be toxic to wildlife. Instead, use a natural mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar to keep jack-o’-lanterns fresh a bit longer.

If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to your uncarved pumpkins, try transforming them into festive fall centerpieces. Carve out the top just enough to fit a small vase and add seasonal flowers for a beautiful autumn display indoors or out.

Save Seeds for Future Planting

If your pumpkin is uncarved and in good condition, consider saving seeds to grow your own patch next year. Lay the seeds out to dry on paper towels for about 24 hours, store them in a labeled bag, and place in a cool, dry place (but avoid oven or sun drying as it can damage the seeds). Properly stored, pumpkin seeds can remain viable for up to five years.

By thinking outside the trash bin, residents can turn Halloween leftovers into community contributions, healthy snacks, wildlife treats, or springtime gardens. Whether you’re feeding farm animals, supporting city composting, or creating autumnal decor, these thoughtful pumpkin reuse ideas help keep our neighborhoods festive and eco-friendly well beyond October 31.

Let’s work together to keep pumpkins out of landfills and put them to good use—because a greener Houston starts with each of us.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.