GET A QUOTE: Gloucestershire: 01666 505800 Bristol & Bath: 0117 941 2555 Somerset: 01458 274654 Oxfordshire: 01235 760555

  • Tipping &
    Recycling

  • Wheeled
    Bin Service

  • Skip Hire

  • Roll-on
    Roll-off Hire

  • Compaction
    Systems

  • Aggregates

  • Grab/
    Tipper Hire

  • Other
    Services

  • About

  • Contact

  • The horrifying truths about pumpkin waste

    iStock-1192872187

    Halloween is one of the most celebrated and commercialised events of the year, with pumpkins taking centre stage in homes, businesses, and communities across the UK. In recent years, the popularity of pumpkins has skyrocketed. They adorn homes, restaurants, shops, offices, and outdoor spaces, with millions of people carving jack-o’-lanterns or using pumpkins as festive décor. 

    However, the rise of pumpkin popularity has a darker side—pumpkin waste. After the Halloween festivities, many pumpkins end up in landfill, releasing the harmful greenhouse gas known as methane. This problem isn’t just limited to homes but also extends to the commercial sector, where businesses use large quantities of pumpkins in displays and decorations. 

    Read on to discover how your company can reduce food waste, mitigate environmental damage, and even turn pumpkins into a sustainable asset.

    The rise of pumpkins across all sectors

    The cultural importance of pumpkins during Halloween is undeniable. Carved pumpkins have moved beyond personal use in homes and are now a staple of corporate, hospitality, and retail décor during the autumn months. From giant pumpkin installations in shopping centres to autumnal-themed restaurant menus, pumpkins have a strong presence in commercial spaces.

    However, once Halloween is over and the autumn decorations come down, the fate of these pumpkins can be wasteful, as many businesses fail to dispose of them properly. This contributes to an already significant problem of organic waste in landfills. As businesses embrace seasonal trends like Halloween, there’s a growing responsibility to manage the environmental consequences that come with it.

    The commercial side of pumpkin waste

    Whilst it is possible for households to put pumpkins in their garden waste or compost bins, businesses tend to deal with much larger quantities, especially when decorating for the season. The retail and hospitality sectors are two of the biggest contributors to commercial pumpkin waste. Shopping centres, restaurants, cafés, and hotels often purchase large numbers of pumpkins to create festive displays, drawing customers in with their autumnal charm.

    But what happens to pumpkin waste once Halloween is over? Unfortunately, many businesses dispose of them without a second thought, often sending them to landfills where they contribute to methane emissions. Pumpkins are organic matter, and when they decompose in landfills without proper oxygen, they release methane gas; a greenhouse gas that’s 20 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. 

    The importance of responsible pumpkin disposal for businesses

    Responsible disposal of pumpkin waste is important for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Businesses can reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfill by investing in professional waste management services, such as those provided by us at McCarthy Marland, to ensure pumpkins are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

    We offer bespoke waste management services tailored to commercial needs, including food waste bins designed specifically for organic materials like pumpkins. By placing leftover pumpkins in designated food waste bins, this matter is composted or processed into bioenergy, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. These responsible waste practices help reduce your business’ environmental footprint, as well as aligning with modern consumer expectations for sustainable practices.

    Sustainable pumpkin waste solutions for commercial enterprises

    At McCarthy Marland, we specialise in helping businesses implement sustainable waste management strategies that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. Seasonal events like Halloween lead to an increase in waste, but businesses can minimise their impact with the right approach. From food waste bins to tailored recycling solutions, we work with companies to ensure their seasonal waste—whether from pumpkins or other organic materials—is disposed of responsibly.

    This Halloween, let’s celebrate with a focus on sustainability, ensuring that pumpkins contribute to a greener future rather than ending up in landfills. Get in touch today to arrange your business’ food waste collections.

    The horrifying truths about pumpkin waste
    Share this article