Have a smashing time at pumpkin composting event

An event to help people compost their carved Halloween pumpkins is returning in November.

The 'Pumpkin Smash' event at Stokes Wood Allotments, LE3 9BR takes place on Saturday 9 November, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Encouraging residents, organisations, and schools to bring pumpkins that have been carved and are cannot be eaten, pumpkins will be smashed up and composted.

The event has been organised by master composter volunteer. Master composters are recruited by Leicestershire County Council as part of a wider effort to encourage communities to prevent food and household waste.

Over Halloween, it is estimated that nearly 22 million pumpkins will go uneaten, equivalent to £32 million worth of edible food going to waste. However, flesh, seeds and the 'stringy bits' of a pumpkin can easily be used in cooking.

As well as pumpkins going to waste, two out of every five Halloween costumes get thrown away after just one wear – equal to nearly seven million items of clothing. Residents are encouraged to donate used Halloween costumes to charity or re-use shops if they're no longer wanted.

Councillor Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda said "Our event is a popular way of getting rid of pumpkins that are no longer needed. I'm really pleased we're able to hold it again and thank Stokes Wood Allotments for being our host.

"The more we can compost the better. These pumpkins are so much more useful for our environment by being naturally composted than ending up in a waste bin."

To learn more about our Halloween initiatives please visit www.lesswaste.org.uk/halloween. Details about the pumpkin smash event are available by emailing the allotment on carryoncomposting1@gmail.com.