Following Halloween, Port Coquitlam residents are encouraged to dispose of pumpkins responsibly by placing them in their green carts for curbside collection with other food scraps and yard trimmings. The BC Conservation Officer Service also advises residents not to leave pumpkins outdoors too early, 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. If just one in four households compost their pumpkins, thousands of pounds of waste can be diverted from the landfill. Residents should remove all candles and holders, including metal or plastic tea light holders before placing pumpkins in the green cart.
Ideas for a green Halloween
- Roast pumpkin seeds or use the flesh in recipes.
- Chop pumpkins for a backyard composter or) bury them in the garden.
- Reuse or recycle materials for costumes and decorations.
- Use reusable bags for collecting candy.Choose treats with minimal packaging.
- Dispose of 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 consists of food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings suitable for composting. By using the City’s green cart program residents help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a more sustainable community. Learn more about eco-friendly waste options at portcoquitlam.ca/waste.
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