CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After Halloween is dead and gone, you might start thinking about getting rid of those pumpkins. We are looking at ways to dispose of your jack-o-lanterns without putting them in landfills.
Whether your pumpkins are spooky or sweet, it will soon be time to throw them away.
THE QUESTION:
Can you safely discard your pumpkins in the yard? Or compost them without hurting wildlife?
OUR SOURCES:
THE ANSWER:
Yes, you can safely discard pumpkins in the yard or compost without hurting wildlife. As long as they are not painted, just make sure you smash them first.
WHAT WE FOUND:
With so many pumpkins heading straight to the landfill every year, Rafael tells us it's better for the environment to recycle them instead.
"You can make bird feeders out of them, you can compost them, you can plant them yourself," Rafael said.
What about wildlife? Are slightly worn pumpkins safe for them to consume?
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"The pumpkin seeds are actually a natural dewormer for animals, so it's totally fine for them to be eating them," Rafael said
However, there are some things to be mindful of before you throw out your pumpkins in the wild.
"Painted with clear paint or spray paint cause that is toxic to animals, and then next, you need to make sure they are nice and smashed into pieces," Rafael said.
The National Wildlife Federation also said to make sure to break up your Jack-O-Lanterns because otherwise, animals can get their heads stuck in the hole you make at the top.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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