Each Halloween, millions of pumpkins serve as festive decorations, but after the celebrations end, most of these orange beauties sadly end up in the bin. This year, let’s change that! Pumpkins are more than just holiday décor—they’re versatile, nutrient-rich, and full of potential for creative reuse. From delicious recipes to garden boosters, we’ve gathered 10 fun and eco-friendly ideas to give your pumpkin a second life. Ready to make the most out of your pumpkin? Let’s dive in!
10 – Make a house for an Ant Colony
Place your rotting old pumpkin somewhere that you know ants frequently live or visit and just allow the pumpkin to start rotting. The ants will love it, the ground around where you place it will love it and it is a 100% hassle free way to deal with it!
9 – Turn it into Compost
Not only is this idea environmentally friendly, but who doesn’t enjoy smashing a pumpkin to bits? (Well I know I do) just break it up and chuck it onto the compost. (please note DO NOT do this if you have applied any paint or artificial objects to it.)
8 – Feed the farm animals
Why not ask the local farm/farmer if he/she would like your old pumpkins for an animal feed! Not only will farm animals play with it, but they will also eat them! Once again you need to make sure there is nothing artificial about the pumpkin, no paints, glitter or decorations.
7 – Make a Face Mask
Pumpkins are very high in zinc and vitamins A and C, this gourd-like squash helps heal and protect the skin from free radicals, all while gently dissolving dead skin cells making it the perfect face mask. There are thousands of recipes on-line for you to find as well.
6 – cook it, mix it, boil it, eat it!
Why not consider pureeing and freezing the pumpkin for baking or cooking it there and then, just as long as it’s within the first 48 hours of carving and candle wax free.
5 – Drink it, shaken or stirred!
Why not turn that pumpkin into a rather tasty sounding drink! This pumpkin spice cake milkshake sounds & looks delicious and is sure to be a lot healthier than a thick shake.
4 – Turn it into a vase
Just coat the pumpkin in some PVC glue, pour in some water and bingo! You have a ready-made pumpkin vase that not only makes for a great centerpiece but will last for a while after Halloween as well.
3 – Feed the entire zoo!
Some zoos are more than happy for you to bring in your old pumpkins to give them to the animals, almost all animals love a bit of pumpkin and the zoos really do appreciate it. (Please note I said “SOME” zoos, not all will take them, and all of them that do will only take carved ones, not ones that have any coats of paint or added decorations to them)
2 – Make a Bird Feeder
Not only would the birds live this pumpkin bird feeder, but they would also love it if you stick in some pumpkin seeds as well! This is a very simple, and very green idea indeed.
1 – Make a pumpkin planter!
This is a great use for that now redundant pumpkin. All you have to do is to plant some annuals inside of it and that really is it, it will look great for a few weeks. The only thing you might need to do is to use extra packing to keep the soil from falling out of your jack-o-lantern’s face if it is carved.
By rethinking how we use pumpkins after Halloween, we can reduce waste and have a little extra fun, too! Whether you’re composting, cooking, or crafting, each of these ideas helps you get the most out of your pumpkin while being kind to the planet. Who knew Halloween décor could have such a positive impact?
Ready to transform your pumpkin into something new? Try one of these ideas, and share your creations with us! Tag us on social media with #PumpkinRepurposeChallenge and inspire others to join in on this eco-friendly movement.