Halloween is over, the lights are packed away, and that once-glorious pumpkin on your doorstep is starting to slump a little. Before you chuck it straight in the bin, stop for a moment. Pumpkins are incredibly useful after the spooky season is done. You can eat them, recycle them, upcycle them, and even use them to help wildlife. Wasting them is a shame, especially when there are so many clever ways to give them a second life.
Below are ten smart, simple and sustainable ideas for what to do with your pumpkin after Halloween.
1. Turn It Into a Hearty Soup
Pumpkin makes a fantastic base for a warming autumn soup. Roast the flesh with a little olive oil until it softens, then blend it with vegetable stock, garlic, onion, and a pinch of nutmeg, ginger or chilli. You get a thick, comforting bowl of goodness perfect for chilly evenings.
If you prefer step-by-step guidance, the team at BBC Good Food has reliable pumpkin soup recipes with UK measurements.
Looking for more cosy meal ideas for cold weather? Have a look at our Top 10 Autumn Comfort Foods for more inspiration.
2. Make Pumpkin Purée for Baking
Leftover pumpkin flesh can easily become pumpkin purée, which you can then use for baking cakes, muffins, pies or pancakes. Just roast the pumpkin, scoop out the soft flesh, and blend it until smooth. You can store the purée in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later.
Pumpkin bakes are especially good with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. For ideas on how to use your purée in sweet bakes, you can explore recipes from The Guardian food section, which often features seasonal bakes and puddings.
3. Roast the Seeds for a Snack
Do not throw away the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are packed with fibre, minerals and healthy fats. Rinse them, dry them off, toss them with a little oil, salt and your preferred seasoning, then roast them in the oven until crisp.
Try smoked paprika, garlic powder and black pepper for a savoury version, or a light sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for something slightly sweet. They are brilliant sprinkled on soups, salads or eaten as a simple snack.
If you enjoy nibbling on homemade treats, you might also like our ideas in Top 10 Homemade Snack Ideas.
4. Feed the Wildlife
Wildlife can benefit from your old pumpkin, especially birds and small mammals such as squirrels and hedgehogs. Break the pumpkin into chunks and leave it in a quiet part of the garden where birds and animals can safely reach it.
A few important notes for safety: remove any candles, wax, paint, glitter or tea lights first. Only put out fresh, unspoiled pumpkin. If it has started to go mouldy or smell bad, compost it instead.
The RSPB gives advice on feeding garden birds safely and responsibly, helping you support wildlife through the colder months. You can read more on the RSPB website.
5. Compost It
Pumpkins are brilliant for compost. They break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil. If you already have a compost bin or heap, chop the pumpkin into smaller pieces so it decomposes faster, then mix it through with your usual garden waste.
Even if you do not compost normally, this is an easy way to start. It keeps large amounts of food waste out of landfill and helps produce rich compost for spring planting.
For more eco-friendly tips, take a look at our guide to Top 10 Ways to Reduce Household Waste.
6. Create a Pumpkin Planter
Your carved pumpkin can become a biodegradable planter. Fill the hollow pumpkin with soil and pop in some autumn flowers or herbs. Sit it on your doorstep or garden table for a seasonal display.
The best bit is that you can plant the whole thing straight into the ground later. As the pumpkin breaks down, it feeds the soil around the roots of whatever you have planted.
7. Make a Natural Face Mask
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C and E, which are loved by skin. You can make a simple DIY face mask by mixing a spoonful of pumpkin purée with natural yoghurt and a drizzle of honey. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Always patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin. If any irritation occurs, wash it off straight away and do not use it again.
8. Craft a Bird Feeder
A leftover pumpkin can be turned into a rustic bird feeder. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out any soggy bits, and poke two holes opposite each other near the top edge. Thread through strong string or twine so it can be hung from a branch. Fill the hollow centre with bird seed.
This creates a natural feeding station for garden birds during autumn and early winter, when food starts to get scarce.
9. Freeze It for Later
You do not have to use all the pumpkin at once. Chop the flesh into cubes, steam or roast it until just tender, let it cool, then portion it into freezer bags or tubs. Label the container so you remember what it is.
Frozen pumpkin is ideal for future soups, curries, stews, pasta sauces or even smoothies if you like a thicker blend. This is a great way to save money on ingredients during winter.
10. Try Homemade Dog Treats
If you have a dog, plain cooked pumpkin (without seeds, skin, sugar, salt or spice) can sometimes be used to make simple pet treats. Mix cooked pumpkin with a little plain flour and egg, shape into small biscuits and bake until firm. Let them cool completely before offering.
Important: not all dogs can tolerate new foods, and some ingredients that seem harmless to humans can be unsafe for pets. Always check what is suitable for your own animal before feeding anything new. You can find pet welfare guidance from the RSPCA.
Your pumpkin still has plenty of life left after 31 October. You can eat it, freeze it, compost it, craft with it, share it with wildlife and even turn it into something useful for the garden. That means less waste, more value for money and a nicer feeling than just tossing it in the bin.
Try one or two of the ideas above this year and see which becomes your new favourite. Do you cook yours, feed the birds or go full garden project and plant flowers in it? Tell us in the comments below and share what you do with yours.
If you enjoyed these tips, you might also like our seasonal ideas in Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Autumn at Home. And while you’re here, have a look at our list of Top 10 Ways to Reduce Household Waste for even more ways to live a little greener.