West Oxfordshire residents encouraged to keep Halloween scary but make it sustainable too

With Halloween now the third biggest annual shopping event for UK supermarkets after Christmas and Easter and 30.4 million Halloween pumpkins expected to be purchased, West Oxfordshire District Council is asking residents to consider the impact their celebrations have on the environment. 

Around half of Halloween pumpkins go uneaten, according to the environmental charity Hubbub, which launched its annual ‘Eat Your Pumpkin’ campaign in Oxford ten years ago. The charity says attitudes towards eating pumpkins have shifted in the right direction over the last decade, with 59% of people now aware their Halloween pumpkins can be eaten, up from 42% when the campaign began, but an estimated 15.8 million pumpkins are still set to be wasted this year across the UK.

Halloween costumes are another source of waste with an estimated 7 million thrown away every year – the equivalent of 83 million plastic bottles. According to Hubbub, 90% of families buy new costumes every year and two in five of these costumes are only worn once before being disposed of in the bin. 

Giles Hughes, Chief Executive at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Halloween is a time of year celebrated by many, particularly families, and lots of us enjoy getting dressed up and seeing the creative displays people have put on outside their houses. Our message isn’t that people should stop doing these things, but that we can have a more environmentally friendly Halloween. 

“Eating your pumpkin is a great start. Pumpkins labelled as carving ones are edible, but they’re bred to be less fleshy, so switching to another pumpkin variety will give you something tastier to eat and will look just as good carved or decorated – if not better. Pumpkin isn’t only good for making pies and soup – it can be used in all sorts of ways, such as in a risotto or eaten as wedges. 

“Switching from new shop-bought costumes to making something from old clothing or buying second-hand is another way to be more sustainable. Charity shops, apps such as Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace will all have lots of options in the weeks leading up to Halloween.” 

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious food containing vitamins A, E, and C, omega-3s, zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium and beta-carotene. If decorated instead of carved, they can be brought inside after Halloween and can stay fresh for months when stored in a cool place. 

If pumpkins can’t be eaten, they should ideally be composted at home. Alternatively, they can be cut into smaller pieces and placed into the food caddy to be recycled using the District Council’s weekly food waste collection service. Any tea lights, wax or decorations should be removed first. 

Halloween costumes that are no longer wanted can be sold, given away or donated to charity shops, but as a last resort clothing can also be left out to be recycled. Simply place in a carrier bag next to your recycling wheelie bin on your collection day. 

Oxfordshire residents can take advantage of reduced rates on compost bins. A home compost bin can be purchased from £31 (plus delivery charge) and residents buying two 220-litre or 330-litre compost bins will receive one at half price. To order a bin call 0844 571 4444 quoting reference OXF12L or buy online at https://getcomposting.com   

Contact Information

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk