HARTFORD, Conn. — As Halloween comes and goes once again, it will eventually be time to dispose of the pumpkins and gourds decorating your home that are starting to rot and cave in. Throwing it in the dumpster sounds like a quick fix, but there are better ways to properly get rid of your pumpkins.
Many municipalities around Connecticut have different collections and programs for making the most out of a rotten pumpkin without it going to waste. These suggestions do not apply to painted pumpkins - those would have to go in the trash.
First and foremost, the state's RecycleCT Wizard and many Connecticut municipalities say the best option is to simply compost it. State environmental officials have tutorials on how to start composting at home here.
Those who do not compost at home can bring it to a participating municipal recycling center, have a food waste collector pick it up, or bring it anywhere that would accept food waste for compost from the public.
Of course, the woods work as an alternative final resting place for an expired pumpkin. The pumpkins can be cut up into smaller pieces for wildlife to eat. The National Wildlife Federation also suggests making a DIY "snack-o-lantern" (AKA, pumpkin bird seed feeder).
Humans can eat pumpkins too, of course! The Middletown Recycles program shares how to make pumpkin seeds and pumpkin puree:
To make pumpkin seeds, take the seeds out from inside the pumpkin, and wash them in a colander. Afterward, season them with some salt, spread them out on a sheet pan and roast them.
You can also make pumpkin puree! Cut the pumpkin in half and gut it. Then lay the halves face down on a sheet pan and roast them. Then scrape the pumpkin into a blender or food processor, and then puree. It can then be used for any recipes that call for pumpkin puree.
Below is a list of collection events to recycle pumpkins around Connecticut in November:
Pumpkin Smash! - Nov. 11 at Veterans Park, Middletown, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Great American Pumpkin Drop Off - Nov. 4 at Townwoods Park in Old Lyme, from 9 a.m. to noon
Avon Clean Energy Commission & Sub-Edge Farm - Nov. 4 through Nov. 30 at Sub-Edge Farm in Farmington during shop hours
West Hartford - Oct. 31 to Nov. 27 (Painted pumpkins are OK for this compost and bio-fuel program)
- Dept. of Public Works at 17 Brixton St.
- Westmoor Park (visitors are advised: Do not feed pumpkins to the farm animals there)
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