WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (October 19, 2021) – After Halloween, disposing your pumpkin at the curb can create a rotting mess and attract rodents and pests. Instead, consider placing a bagged Jack O’Lantern in the household trash or sustainably dispose it. Pumpkins are considered produce. Green disposal options include: 

• Composting: After removing candles and inorganic decorations, toss your pumpkin in the compost bin. Remove the seeds first to avoid growing pumpkins in the bin.
• Bury the Pumpkin: Dig a shallow hole. Place the pumpkin inside. Cover it with dirt. Remember to remove the seeds first! Once nature takes its course, the pumpkin will enrich the soil.
• Harvest the seeds: Harvest and either roast the seeds for yourself or feed them to birds and squirrels!

For more tips about waste disposal, contact the Department of Public Works Sanitation Division at (561) 822-2075 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or click here. For information about sustainable living, contact the Office of Sustainability at (561) 804-4994 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or click here.