Homeowners given pumpkin disposal alert as hedgehogs could be 'left at risk'

Homeowners given pumpkin disposal alert as hedgehogs could be 'left at risk' Halloween is almost here, meaning millions of pumpkins will be carved and displayed as decorations. But waste management experts are urging households to think more carefully about how they dispose of them With Halloween arriving this weekend, countless Brits will be preparing to carve their pumpkin creations to display outside their homes. Yet this tradition could result in millions of pumpkins ending up uneaten, leading waste management specialists to encourage families to consider more carefully how they utilise and dispose of them. Research from environmental charity Hubbub suggests that roughly 15.8 million pumpkins are left uneaten during Halloween, representing around 95 million meals and £26.7 million worth of edible food. Numerous people turn to platforms such as Reddit seeking guidance on what to do with their leftover pumpkins, though it's crucial to seek professional advice. Waste management experts at Wheeldon Brothers are urging families to maximise the use of their pumpkins before discarding them, cautioning that careless disposal practices could lead to needless food waste, environmental harm and could even impact wildlife such as hedgehogs. James Ward, of Wheeldon Brothers, said: "Pumpkins are often treated as single-use Halloween decorations, but many people forget they are still food that can be used long after the celebrations. "When millions of pumpkins are being bought for Halloween, even a small proportion being thrown away unnecessarily can result in a significant amount of food waste. "Whether it's cooking with leftover pumpkin, composting it or making sure it goes into the appropriate waste collection, there are simple steps households can take to reduce the amount they throw away." Check out the Wheeldon Brothers top tips for correct pumpkin disposal below. 1. Don't throw away edible pumpkin flesh Pumpkins purchased for carving can still be put to good use in the kitchen, provided they remain fresh and haven't been tainted by unsuitable decorations or other materials. The flesh works wonderfully in soups, curries and stews, while the seeds can be cleaned and roasted for a tasty snack. James explains: "Before throwing your pumpkin away, consider whether any of it could be used in the kitchen. Even if you've already carved it, the flesh you've removed might still be suitable for cooking. "The key is to think about how you can use the pumpkin before it becomes waste, rather than waiting until it starts to deteriorate." 2. Avoid leaving pumpkins in woodland or outdoor spaces While dumping pumpkins outdoors may appear to be a harmless means of feeding wildlife, it could actually do far more harm than good. The Woodland Trust cautions that discarded pumpkins can trigger stomach upsets in hedgehogs, potentially resulting in dehydration. Rotting pumpkins can also draw in rats and damage woodland ecosystems. James says: "Some people might think leaving a pumpkin in woodland or a nearby green space is an environmentally friendly way to get rid of it. "However, just because something is biodegradable doesn't mean it can be left anywhere. Food waste should be managed properly rather than abandoned in public spaces." 3. Compost pumpkins where possible For pumpkins that are no longer fit for consumption, home composting offers a practical alternative to simply throwing them in the bin. Untreated pumpkins can be chopped into smaller chunks to help them decompose more quickly in a compost bin or heap. That said, households must ensure they remove candles, plastic decorations and any other non-compostable items beforehand. 4. Check your local food waste collection rules Households without the option of home composting should consult their local council's guidance before getting rid of pumpkins. Certain councils will accept pumpkins via food waste collections, while others may have varying requirements based on the services they provide. James added: "It's worth checking what your local council accepts rather than assuming pumpkins belong in a particular bin. "Waste collection arrangements can vary depending on where you live, so understanding the correct disposal method can help prevent recyclable or compostable materials from ending up in general waste unnecessarily. "Halloween should be enjoyable, but taking a few extra minutes to think about what happens to your decorations afterwards could help reduce unnecessary waste."