What Can You Do with Your Halloween Pumpkins After the Holiday?

When the candy wrappers are swept up and the porch lights go out, one thing still lingers: that grinning jack-o’-lantern by your door. But before you toss it in the trash, consider this—your pumpkin still has plenty of life left in it! Most pumpkins end up in landfills, where they release methane as they decompose. Fortunately, there are fun, eco-friendly ways to give those gourds a second act.

Here are eight green ideas to keep your Halloween pumpkins from haunting the planet.

1. Turn It Into a Pumpkin Planter

Got a soft spot for fall flowers? Scoop out your pumpkin, fill it with potting soil, and tuck in some seasonal blooms like mums or pansies. The pumpkin will slowly break down, nourishing the plants as it does. Just be sure to set your new planter directly on the ground—otherwise, the decomposing pumpkin might leave behind a not-so-pretty ring on your porch.

2. Build a Biodegradable Bird Feeder

Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Fill half a pumpkin shell with birdseed and hang it or place it near a window. You’ll give backyard birds a seasonal feast—and maybe even catch sight of a squirrel or two sneaking a snack. Once the pumpkin softens, toss the remains into your compost bin.

3. Treat Yourself to a Pumpkin Face Mask

If your pumpkin never got carved, it’s spa day time! Puree the pulp, mix it with honey or yogurt, and you’ve got a vitamin-rich facial mask full of skin-loving nutrients like beta-carotene and antioxidants. It’s self-care, the zero-waste way.

4. Cook Up Something Cozy

Carved or not, pumpkins are edible (though not as sweet as pie pumpkins). Roast the seeds for a crunchy snack, or bake the flesh into soup, curry, or pumpkin bread. Even those tiny decorative pumpkins can be turned into adorable single-serve baked “pumpkin pots” for Thanksgiving.

5. Share with Local Wildlife

Deer, turkeys, and other critters love pumpkins as much as we do. Place leftover pumpkins along the edge of woods or fields—away from the road—to give wildlife a seasonal treat. Watching them enjoy it might just become your new favorite post-Halloween tradition.

6. Donate to a Farm or Animal Rescue

Farm animals go wild for pumpkins, especially pigs! If there’s a local pig rescue, goat farm, or community homestead nearby, reach out and see if they accept pumpkin donations. You’ll keep food waste out of the landfill and make some four-legged friends very happy.

7. Pickle the Rind

Feeling adventurous? Try making pickled pumpkin! The rind turns surprisingly tender and tangy when brined with vinegar, spices, and a bit of sugar. It’s an unexpected fall treat—and a great way to impress your Thanksgiving guests.

8. Preserve a Favorite Jack-o’-Lantern

If one of your pumpkins was just too cute (or creepy) to part with, you can preserve it. Brush a coat of clear PVC glue inside and out to seal it. Once dry, it can double as a vase, candy jar, or decorative piece for next Halloween.

Keep the Season Green

At Green Home Cleaning, we believe sustainability doesn’t stop at the doorstep—it extends to every pumpkin, pinecone, and pantry shelf. By finding creative ways to reuse and recycle, you’re helping reduce waste and protect our beautiful mountain home.

Need help keeping the rest of your home clean and green this fall? Book a non-toxic cleaning session with us today.