Don鈥檛 know what to do with your pumpkins after Halloween? Compost them: RDCO

Pumpkins are high in nitrogen and make a great addition to backyard soil

Twila Amato
Oct 22, 2021 5:00 AM

26901532_web1_211028-KCN-pumpkin-toss_1 — Toss your pumpkin into the compost bin after Halloween. (Regional District of Central Okanagan)

As Halloween comes and goes, you may find yourself with pumpkins you don鈥檛 quite know how to get rid of.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is offering tips on how to give your Jack-o-Lanterns a whole new purpose once they鈥檙e done scaring everyone.

鈥淭he regional district waste reduction office encourages you to toss your pumpkin in your backyard compost bin for great results come spring,鈥� waste reduction facilitator Rae Stewart said.

鈥淧umpkins are high in nitrogen, making them the perfect material to add to your backyard compost bin. If you chop your pumpkin up into small pieces and add some fall leaves, it will break down that much faster.

鈥淣ext spring you鈥檒l have a great nutrient-rich soil amendment to add to your garden or lawn.鈥�

If you do not have a compost bin, you can put your pumpkins in your curbside yard waste bin, which will be taken on your scheduled pickup day.

And if your pumpkins are still in good condition, use them in baking or a soup for a potassium and protein-rich dish.

RDCO is also reminding residents that yard waste collection runs until the end of December.

More information on composting, yard waste or recycling collection programs are available on the .

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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About the Author: Twila Amato

Twila was a radio reporter based in northern Vancouver Island. She won the Jack Webster Student Journalism Award while at BCIT and received a degree in ancient and modern Greek history from McGill University.

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