Don't waste pumpkins in Colchester this Halloween
18,000 tons of squash is thrown out across the UK every single October.
Last updated 30th Oct 2020
From pumpkin pies to a treat for our pet hamsters, Colchester Borough Council is urging residents to put their leftover pumpkins to good use this Halloween.
A favourite part of this time of the year for many, other than eating too many sweets, is decorating a pumpkin to display outside our homes.
The scooped-out flesh of them can be used for soup, pies, hummus or even smoothies, and the seeds can be toasted and seasoned as a snack.
Alternatively, you can even try and grow your own pumpkins ready in time for next year.
Once we're finished lighting them, the candles can be removed and the pumpkin can be composted or placed in the food waste caddy.
Councillor Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: "Halloween is a hugely popular event, but one of the scariest parts for us is the thought of all those pumpkins going to waste.
"We must all do our bit for the environment and recycle or compost our food waste, including leftover pumpkins. By doing so, households will reduce their waste and save money.
"We’re asking Colchester residents to recycle their pumpkin leftovers by cutting them up and placing them in with their weekly food waste or, if they are too large, place them on top or next to their caddy."
You can find more information about recycling in Colchester on the council's website.