Make it a green Hallowe’en: simple swaps to cut waste
Published 16 October 2026
With Hallowe’en around the corner, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are highlighting five simple ways residents can keep seasonal waste to a minimum this autumn.
Every October, tonnes of pumpkins, single-wear synthetic Hallowe’en costumes, and plastic decorations are thrown away after a single evening. By rethinking how we prep for the spookiest night of the year, households across the districts can save cash while helping protect our local environment.
Five simple steps to cut Hallowe’en waste this year:
- Create a DIY costume: Save money and waste and get creative by reusing clothes you already own, updating last year’s disguise, or creating a custom outfit from materials around the house.
- Borrow or buy second-hand: Check out local charity shops, borrow from friends, or host a costume swap with neighbours to give pre-loved gear a second outing.
- Eat your pumpkin: Don’t let your jack-o’-lantern go to waste! Before carving out a terrifying face, scoop out the flesh and cook up a delicious recipe from our page – from warming soups to pies and roasted seed snacks.
- Compost, recycle, or donate: Pumpkin flesh makes for great compost when mixed well with other compost materials. And if you don’t use a compost bin, your friends or neighbours might – try offering your pumpkin to them.
- Leftover pumpkins will be collected for one week, beginning 2 November. Chop it up and put it in in the food waste bin or leave it whole beside the bin. Just make sure to remove any candles, melted wax or other decorations first. We’ll pick it up on your scheduled food waste collection day where it’ll be turned into renewable energy or fertiliser. Don’t put it in the general rubbish bin.
Cllr Sue Cooper, Cabinet Member for Environmental Servies at South Oxfordshire District Council said:
“Hallowe’en is a fantastic time for families, but it doesn’t have to result in extra waste. By making a few small adjustments, we can all enjoy the celebration while doing our bit for the environment.”
Cllr Robert Clegg, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services at Vale of White Horse District Council said:
“We can all cut down on unnecessary rubbish and save money by getting creative, reusing what we can, and keeping Hallowe’en as fun as ever.”
