The council highlights that over a fifth of food waste in Aberdeenshire's kerbside black-lid bins occurs during Halloween when carved pumpkins are discarded. By participating in the weekly food recycling service, residents can help turn their Halloween waste into fertiliser for future crops.
Councillor Alan Turner, Chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, stated: "It's always fantastic to see so many creatively carved pumpkins on display. The good news is that leftover jack-o'-lanterns don't have to go to waste in Aberdeenshire. They can be recycled using the green food caddies that are picked up every week from the kerbside."
To recycle leftover pumpkins, residents should remove decorations to avoid contamination, chop up old pumpkins and place them in their food caddy. Whole, fresh pumpkins can be placed on top of the food bin.
Food waste is collected weekly from the kerbside. Residents can obtain free indoor and outdoor food waste caddies from their local recycling centre or service point if theirs are broken or if they require additional ones. Food waste bag liners for the caddies are also available from household recycling centres and council libraries, or can be requested from collection crews.
The council emphasises that simple home recycling changes make a significant difference, contributing to job creation, economic growth, conservation of natural resources, and the protection of public funds.
Further information on food waste caddies and liners can be found at aberdeenshire.gov.uk/RecyclingEquipment.
