Somerset Council have revealed that Halloween celebrations lead to a frightening 146 tonnes of extra food waste in the two weeks that followed Halloween last year. That’s equivalent to a 19% increase in food waste recycled after the festivities.
This year, the council is urging everyone to make the most of their pumpkins and help reduce waste.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Transport and Waste Services said:
Recycling food waste is the best thing to do with scraps that won’t be eaten, but it’s even better to eat your pumpkin.
We’re pleased that most people in Somerset recycle their food waste, but we’re asking everyone to think twice before wasting their pumpkins after Halloween. It’s better for the environment and your pocket to reduce the amount of waste produced in the first place.
Almost every part of a pumpkin is edible, including the seeds and guts. Instead of binning pumpkins, the council suggests making pumpkin cheesecake, cake, soup, or roasting the seeds.
Recycle or compost any scraps you can’t use, freeze leftovers, or save seeds for wildlife or planting next year.
Residents looking for ideas on what to do with their pumpkins can check the Love Food Hate Waste website for inspiration: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/good-food-habits/halloween-make-most-your-pumpkin
