Costumes, candy, decorations and pumpkins make Halloween fun, but sometimes they can leave waste behind. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover candy, last year’s costumes or pumpkins after Halloween, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re taking the kids trick-or-treating, handing out candy or hosting a party, these tips can help you cut back on waste without giving up your favorite traditions.
1. Make memories the main event
Some of the best Halloween traditions are the experiences we share. If you want to celebrate without adding more stuff to your home, plan an activity:
- Visit a local pumpkin patch or fall festival.
- Host a Halloween movie night with homemade snacks.
- Organize a neighborhood costume parade so kids get one more chance to show off their costumes.
- Walk around the neighborhood and see how many decorated houses and pumpkins you can spot.
2. Get creative with costumes and decorations
Putting together a costume can be half the fun. Start by looking around the house for clothing and accessories you can use. You may already have most of what you need in a closet.
For anything you’re missing, try a local thrift store. Costume swaps also work well for families with kids who have outgrown last year’s outfits. Organize one with friends or neighbors, or look for a community swap.
Decorations can come from what you already have, too. Old sheets can become friendly ghosts, cardboard boxes can become tombstones and empty jars can become spooky lanterns with battery-operated lights. If you’re buying new decorations, choose items you’ll want to bring out year after year.
3. Make the most of trick-or-treating
Whether you’re heading out with the kids or welcoming trick-or-treaters at your door, there are a few ways to cut back on waste.
A reusable shopping bag, pillowcase or basket works well for collecting candy. Once the haul is home, sort through it together and save favorites to enjoy over time.
If you’re handing out candy, you may already have a good idea of how many trick-or-treaters visit your neighborhood. Use that number when shopping so you don’t end up with more candy than you need. Extras can be saved for later or donated to local nursing homes or food pantries.
For non-candy treats, consider items kids can use beyond Halloween rather than novelty toys that might get tossed quickly.
Most candy wrappers aren’t accepted in household recycling programs. In Franklin County, they belong in the trash. You can learn more about what belongs in your recycling bin at RecycleRight.org.
4. What to do with pumpkins
If you’re picking out pumpkins this year, consider real ones over new plastic decorations. Real pumpkins can serve more than one purpose. Roast the seeds from carved pumpkins for a snack, or pick a cooking pumpkin for soups, muffins and other fall recipes.
When Halloween is over, compost your pumpkins so the nutrients go back into the soil instead of the landfill. Remove candles, stickers, paint and other decorations first. Find a nearby pumpkin and gourd composting collection site.
Already have artificial pumpkins? Keep using them. Getting more life out of decorations you own prevents waste, too.
5. Keep Halloween gatherings simple
Halloween parties, classroom celebrations and neighborhood get-togethers are easier to clean up with a little planning.
If you’re hosting, think about how much food your guests will actually eat. Planning portions ahead of time can mean fewer leftovers.
Use reusable plates, cups and utensils, and borrow extras from friends or family if you need them. Serve snacks in larger bowls or dishes instead of individual packages to cut down on wrappers and packaging.
After the party, pack up leftovers to enjoy over the next few days or send guests home with some. For more food waste prevention tips, visit Save More Than Food.
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Halloween is full of traditions worth celebrating, and reducing waste doesn’t mean changing everything about how you enjoy the holiday.
Whether you try one of these tips or several, there’s room to make Halloween a little less wasteful while still enjoying everything that makes the season fun.
