Odds are your jack-o-lanterns won’t be around long after Halloween this Thursday.  But, before you pitch that pumpkin, Susan Baker, Deschutes County Waste Diversion Manager, said you don’t want to put it in the trash.

 

“There is a way for folks to go ahead and compost their leftover pumpkins after Halloween. Also, remembering that if you have anything in them, like a candle that’s burned down or anything of that nature, you want to take those out."

 

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, food waste in landfills contributes more methane emissions than any other landfill material.

 

"A large portion of food waste significantly contributes to climate change. And it produces, I think, roughly globally, about 8-10% of the greenhouse gas emissions. If we’re able to pull that material out of the landfill, that is a benefit to methane emissions, for sure, which I think [food waste] accounts for about 11% of global methane emissions."

 

Many areas will allow you to dispose of your Halloween pumpkin in your curbside yard debris bin.  Baker says while you’re at it, you can also add meat, dairy, bread or other food waste.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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