Disposing of Pumpkins and Gourds 2024

As much as we loved having our front stoops decorated with pumpkins, it is getting to be time to dispose of them. Do not throw them away! Pumpkins (like any organic material) are very hard to break down in a landfill and release the potent greenhouse gas, methane. 

There are a number of other options you can do instead:

Cook them

All squash and pumpkins are edible and delicious! They all keep well in a cool place, some for months – remember that Native Americans developed many varieties across the country and stored them for the winter, as did the colonists who followed. More varieties were developed in other countries around the world. Baker’s Creek Seeds offers almost 48 varieties of winter squash! Here is a tutorial on how to process pumpkins. Are those big ones too big and awkward to cut? Just go outside and throw them down on a hard surface to break them into pieces!

• • Storage: While the ideal temp is only 55º or so, I’ve kept them in my kitchen and cool attic for months. You can also just cook ahead and freeze. (read more)
  • Recipe ideas: soups, stews, puree, smoothies, pies, custards, crackers, even Chef Kelly’s pumpkin muffins with streusel topping
  • Check out our Winter Squash handout for nutrition facts and more information

Drop off at local farm

Many will take it for their animals (chickens, goats, pigs, cows and horse all love them!) or for their compost piles. Make sure to check with your farmer first, certified organic farmers have be very strict with what they feed their animals and add to their compost. Here are a few farms that we know are accepting pumpkins:

• • Buttonwood Farm (3674 Ferry Road, Fountainville, PA 18923)
  • Private residence (3933 Burnt House Hill Rd – leave on pallet on very overgrown lawn)
  • the ReFarm (1135 N Easton Road, Doylestown, PA)
  • Ross Mill Farm (2464 Walton Rd, Jamison, PA 18929)
  • Tussock Sedge Farm (1239 Souderton Rd (Rte 113), Perkasie, PA 18944)

Feed to your dogs

Squash and pumpkins are also good for dogs, once cooked they can be added in small amounts to dogs’ food. You can add puree (but make sure to keep it plain, no butter, salt, or seasonings needed) to their food or feed them pieces as a treat (without skin and seeds)! 

Compost

Squash make great additions to post compost piles, plus you may get bonus squashes growing next year!

• • Add to your compost pile
  • Check out a compost service such as BCS Compost or Kona Compost 

Want to take a deep dive into the history of pumpkins? Read our interview with a pumpkin!

We hope your pumpkins can live another life as food for yourself, animals or making new soil for next year. How will you dispose of your pumpkins this year?