News
Dispose of your Pumpkins the Proper Way
11.1.24
Ready for a down right frightening fact? The US Department of Energy that 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins fill our trash, ending up in landfills, decomposing and turning into methane.
Why is that bad? Methane is the "...harmful greenhouse gas that plays a part in climate change, with more than 20 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide (CO2)."
So what should Visalians do with their carved jack o'lanterns and Halloween pumpkins?
So what should Visalians do with their carved jack o'lanterns and Halloween pumpkins?
Pumpkin Do's
- Check 'em and toss 'em in your Green Bin: If your jack o' lantern or pumpkin does not have decorations (paint, glitter, stickers, etc.), fully remove the candle and wax (or any added item) and toss in your Green Lid Bin so it can be composted.
- Properly Dispose of Painted Pumpkins: If your pumpkin has been painted or decorated, toss it in your Gray Lid Bin for trash/refuse for proper disposal.
- Check with a Local Farm: Some farmers accept pumpkins as treat for their livestock.
- Don't Toss Those Electric Candles: Small battery operated candles or even glowsticks can make a ghoulishly good addition to decorations, but those should be safely disposed of at a City of Visalia Battery Drop Off Location. Enter your address on our interactive map and find your nearest drop-off location here.
Pumpkin Dont's
- Leave Your Pumpking Out for Wildlife: Don't leave your pumpkin out to feed critters like birds or squirrels. While you may choose to donate your pumpkin to a local ranch, you should not feed it to animals yourself.
Pumpkin Dont's
- Leave Your Pumpking Out for Wildlife: Don't leave your pumpkin out to feed critters like birds or squirrels. While you may choose to donate your pumpkin to a local ranch, you should not feed it to animals yourself.
- Leave It Out to Rot: Not only can a decaying pumpking attract wildlife, it's important to properly dispose of your pumpkin in either the Green Lid Bin or the Gray Lid Bin.
- Don't Put it in your Blue Lid Bin: Pumpkins do not go in the Blue Lid Bin, that's for recyclables only.
- Don't Put it in your Blue Lid Bin: Pumpkins do not go in the Blue Lid Bin, that's for recyclables only.
The City of Visalia Public Works Department's Natural Resource Conservation Division provides guidance, education, and management of the City’s natural resources for the benefit of Visalia’s citizens and businesses to meet State recycling mandates.
For questions on pumpking disposal, or any recycling and refuse questions, contact our Natural Resource Conservation Division at 559-713-4532 or visit www.GoGreenVisalia.com.