Spookily sustainable pumpkin recycling tips from housebuilder

Housebuilder David Wilson Homes is reminding people that their Halloween pumpkin can have a useful second life.

The company, whose developments include new homes in the Swindon area, has put together their top tips for reusing and recycling pumpkins to ensure a greener Halloween this and every year:

1. Witch’s brew – turn your pumpkin into spooky soup

For those who enjoy spending time in the kitchen, pumpkin soup is a delicious way to recycle your Halloween lantern. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also creates a nutrient-rich and delicious meal that perfectly complements the cold weather.

2. Pumpkin potion: enrich your garden with natural compost 

Pumpkins are ideal for composting given the rich nutrients they contain. Composting them can enhance soil fertility, improve soil structure, and promote beneficial microorganisms - all of which provide a healthy environment for plants to flourish and grow.

To prepare your pumpkin for composting, any decorative elements, such as candles, and cut it into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition. Place your pumpkin pieces in your compost bin or heap and ensure a balanced mix by adding other compostable materials, like kitchen scraps or grass clippings.  

Be sure to turn the compost every few weeks to aerate it, helping to speed up the breakdown process. Keeping the compost pile moist will encourage the breakdown and provide rich compost to enrich your garden.

3. Frightful feast – treat wildlife to pumpkin delights

Pumpkins can make a delicious treat for wildlife, although people should bear in mind that they are not good for hedgehogs. Ensure your pumpkin is clean of any decorations, including paint or marker pens. Then, slice the pumpkin into smaller chunks.

Alternatively, you can also use string to hang pumpkin pieces from trees to act as a bird feeder.

4. Creepy creations: turn your pumpkin into Halloween art 

Pumpkin crafts are a great family-friendly activity, promoting creativity while giving your pumpkin a second life. Remove any leftover seeds or stringy bits from inside the pumpkin and scrape away any soft spots or areas of rot before using it for craft activities.

Turn your pumpkin into a festive character, or create fun autumn designs using materials like leaves, twigs, and dried flowers. Alternatively, slice small pumpkins in half, hollow out the middle, and create space for a tea light. These make for charming, natural candle holders.

Another option is to cut your pumpkin into thin slices and allow it to dry out. Once dried, you can use these slices for various craft projects like making garlands or framing them for natural artwork.

Gareth Rondell, Head of Sustainability Delivery, said: “Recycling or composting your pumpkins offers many benefits, including supporting biodiversity. They can enrich your garden soil with nutrients and even be used for fun projects like cooking and baking. 

By disposing of them properly, we make the most of what we usually think of as waste."

David Wilson Homes South West is currently building new homes at Orchards Rise at Wichelstowe and Honeymans Helm near Highworth town centre. A new phase of apartments and homes will launch in early 2025 at Canalside, Wichelstowe.