Published on October 28, 2024
It's almost Halloween, which means costumes, candy, and pumpkins - oh my! But what can you do with those pumpkins after Halloween is over?
You can certainly eat all the edible pieces, but you also can compost them! The Coastal Composting Committee is putting on their 6th Annual Pumpkin Collection Event starting next month. There are several locations you can drop off your pumpkins throughout New Hanover County from November 1 - 10, and November 29 - December 8.
Compost is a great sustainable and natural option to provide important nutrients for your plants at home. Remember, with fertilizer, it is important not to apply too much or to apply it right before it rains. If we do, it can easily be picked up by stormwater runoff and washed into our waterways where it contributes to the growth of harmful algal blooms. Compost not only provides us with a natural option to fertilize our plants, but can also improve infiltration and water retention in soil. You can create compost from food scraps (like pumpkins!) and yard debris (grass clippings, leaves, etc.).
Click here to see where you can drop off your pumpkins in New Hanover County: New Hanover County Pumpkin Composting