After Halloween, Port Coquitlam residents are encouraged to dispose of pumpkins responsibly by placing them in their green cart for curbside collection, along with other food scraps and yard trimmings. The BC Conservation Officer Service also reminds residents not to leave pumpkins outdoors for extended periods before or after Halloween, as the scent can attract bears into neighbourhoods.
Pumpkins collected through the green cart program are processed at a regional composting facility and turned into nutrient-rich soil for farmers and gardeners. Before placing pumpkins in the green cart, residents should remove all candles and holders, including metal or plastic tea light holders. Pumpkins that have been painted, glittered or coated in wax cannot be recycled through the green cart and should be placed in the garbage.
Ideas for a green Halloween
Roast pumpkin seeds or use the flesh in recipes.
Cut large pumpkins into smaller pieces so they fit in your green cart and the lid closes fully.
Reuse or recycle materials for costumes and decorations.
Use reusable bags for collecting candy.
Choose treats with minimal packaging.
Place unwanted unwrapped candy in the green cart.
Return plastic candy wrappers, along with other soft and flexible plastics, to a participating Recycle BC depot.
Nearly one-third of household waste is made up of food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings that can be composted. Composting pumpkins and other organics through the City’s green cart program diverts material from the landfill, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports a more sustainable community.
Learn more about eco-friendly waste options at portcoquitlam.ca/waste.
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