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Composting pumpkins

A carved pumpkin that looks nibbled on by squirrels on a porch next to a smaller pumpkin
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Composting pumpkins

As October rolls in and Halloween approaches, pumpkins become a beloved staple of the season—whether for carving jack-o'-lanterns, decorating porches, or baking delicious pies and other treats.

However, once the festivities are over, many of these festive gourds end up in the trash, contributing to unnecessary waste in landfills. Every year, Americans throw away over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins in landfills where they decompose and generate methane gas that contributes to climate change. Talk about scary! 

Here in Michigan, we produce 79 million pounds of pumpkins each year, ranking fourth in the nation. A lot of these pumpkins are carved to become jack-o’-lanterns as part of Halloween celebrations. Instead of contributing to the 1 billion pounds of waste, consider composting your pumpkins as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative.

Even if you don't compost at home, check locally—some fun local pumpkin disposal methods are food for flocks of sheep, enrichment for zoo animals, and even launching it with a catapult!

How to compost your pumpkins

We also have a handy fact sheet that you can print out and put on your fridge for easy reference.

Home Composting: Reap a Heap of Benefits

A pumpkin cut up into pieces in a compost pile

Prepare pumpkins

Cut the pumpkins into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process.

Pumpkins that have been painted with toxic paints or have been exposed to other chemicals should not be composted.

jack-o'-lantern pumpkin in compost bin

Add to compost

Place the pumpkin pieces in your compost bin or pile.

They can be combined with other kitchen scraps, yard waste, and carbon-rich materials like dried leaves or straw.

Luis Chen of Wormies turns compost with a pitchfork. (Courtesy of Wormies.)

Maintain compost

Turn your compost regularly to ensure proper aeration and moisture.

This will help your pumpkins break down more quickly and efficiently.

A state of Michigan employee holding a handful of finished compost.

Use your compost!

In a few months, your compost will be ready to enrich your garden.

Spread it on flower beds, vegetable patches, or even houseplants to boost their growth.

A video tutorial on how to compost your pumpkins

What to do with old Jack?

Every year millions of pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills after Halloween, decomposing without oxygen and creating methane gas—which not only stinks, but also contributes to global warming.

Luckily, we've got the perfect way to give your ghostly gourd a second life—composting!

Why should I compost my pumpkin?

By composting your pumpkins, you can play a part in reducing your carbon footprint.

  • Pumpkin dump collected for composting at Michigan State University in 2019.

    Reduce waste

    Composting helps divert organic materials from landfills, where they would otherwise decompose and produce harmful greenhouse gases. 

  • A person's hands cupping a mound of dirt with a sprouting plant

    Create nutrient-rich soil

    When pumpkins break down in a compost pile, they contribute valuable nutrients back into the soil. This creates a rich, organic matter that can enhance the health of your garden or landscaping.

  • Earthworms for composting in a person's hands

    Encourage healthy microbes

    Composting supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, which help aerate the soil and break down organic matter, fostering a thriving ecosystem in your garden.

Thank you for celebrating sustainably!

If you composted your pumpkins, feel good! You're embracing a greener approach by composting your pumpkins instead of tossing them in the trash. Not only are you helping the environment, but you'll also contribute to the cycle of life in your garden.

Join the movement toward sustainable celebrations—your pumpkins deserve a second life!

Keep composting year-round

There are many other seasonal composting opportunities all year round. Continue composting at home and school in every season with your everyday food scraps.