Cleaning Up Pumpkins and Hay Bales after Halloween

The ghosts and goblins have returned to their hiding places for another year. The trick-or-treaters have hung up their costumes and eaten all the good candy (except for the few candy bars you snuck when they weren’t looking). While you still have your “sugar high,” it’s time to clean up those Halloween decorations. But what do you do with rotting pumpkins and soaked hay bales? Here are a few helpful ideas!

Pumpkins

1. Make Pumpkin Compost – Cut up the pumpkin into small pieces and add to your compost bin or pile. Mother Nature and the worms will work their magic and you’ll have a nutrient-rich compound to add to your garden come Spring.
2. Community Compost – Don’t want to bother with your own composting? Take your leftover pumpkins to your local composting center. Most cities and towns have them, and they accept grass clippings and leaves too!
3. Feed the Deer – If you live in the country, or even the suburbs, bust open your left over pumpkins and leave them out for the deer and other creatures to eat. They love a yummy, pumpkiny-sweet treat.
4. Donate to local wildlife or farm rescues – Many animal rescues are always looking for donations for their animals. What better way to pay-it-forward than turn your holiday decorations into a special treat for rescued animals! (Note: Make sure pumpkins are ok for animals before donating.)

Hay Bales

1. Compost – Hay is another great additive to your compost pile or bin. As it breaks down, it will create a rich, nutrient-dense compound that your flowers, veggie and fruit plants will love.
2. Donate to a plant nursery – Even if you don’t have your own garden, donating your leftover hay bales to a local plant nursery is a great way to get rid of them. Also, most places are happy to accept your donations free of charge.
3. Local Compost Center – Most communities have a local compost center for residents to take their yard clippings and plants. These centers usually recycle this waste, making it into mulch for the residents to use on their yards and gardens the next year.

However you decide to dispose of your leftover pumpkins and hay, remember to wear gloves and protective clothing as both can be quite messy depending how long they’ve been out in the sun and rain. For more cleaning and janitorial tips, please visit our Resource Center.