Carving a greener path in addressing pumpkin waste in Ireland
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The tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns during Halloween in Ireland dates back centuries, rooted in Celtic folklore. The earliest versions of these lanterns weren’t made from pumpkins, but rather from turnips and other root vegetables. The practice originated with the story of Stingy Jack, a character in Irish mythology who tricked the Devil and was condemned to roam the earth with only a carved-out turnip to light his way. When Irish immigrants brought the tradition to the United States in the 19th century they found that pumpkins were easier to carve and more visually striking, thus sparking a transformation in the ritual.
Today, pumpkins have firmly established themselves as the symbol of Halloween in Ireland, with the ritualistic carving and display of jack-o’-lanterns illuminating doorsteps across our island.
However, the modern tradition carries a significant environmental cost. Each year, thousands of tonnes of pumpkins are discarded after Halloween, adding to our growing food waste crisis.
According to the 2024 State of the Environment Report, Ireland generated over 753,000 tonnes of food waste in 2021, with almost 30% coming from households. Pumpkins are a significant seasonal spike in this waste, compounding a year-round issue that Ireland is struggling to get under control. It’s time to confront the wasteful side of our Halloween traditions and carve out a more sustainable path forward.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. When pumpkins rot in landfills, they decompose anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas that’s 25 times more effective at warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Methane emissions from landfills account for around 4% of Ireland's total greenhouse gas output, and the seasonal surge from discarded pumpkins doesn’t help matters. But it’s not just about emissions. When you chuck a pumpkin in the bin, you’re also throwing away the resources used to grow, transport, and sell it. Water, energy, and labour all go to waste. It’s time to give our pumpkins a purpose beyond just lighting up the night.
It’s no secret that pumpkins are underused in Irish kitchens. While countries like the United States incorporate pumpkin into everything from lattes to pies, here, the flesh is more likely to be tossed than tasted. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Pumpkins are packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and versatile addition to many dishes.
Take Ballymaloe House, for instance, known for championing traditional Irish recipes with a modern twist. They’ve turned leftover pumpkin into everything from soups to chutneys, embracing the gourd’s sweet, nutty flavour.
Or consider The Happy Pear, who regularly promote sustainable cooking and have showcased easy pumpkin recipes, encouraging followers to use every part of the pumpkin.
And then there are the seeds. Rather than scraping them into the bin, roast them with some olive oil and sea salt for a tasty snack. Not only does this make use of what would otherwise be waste, but it's also a nutrient-dense alternative to processed treats.
If cooking your pumpkin still feels too much like a chore, composting offers a straightforward and more environmentally friendly solution. The good news is that composting is becoming more accessible across Ireland, with many councils providing brown bins for organic waste collection. But despite these efforts, only 40% of households actively use them for food waste, meaning much of our pumpkin waste isn’t making it to compost.
Another example of how things can be done differently comes from Westport, County Mayo, where local authorities and community groups have partnered to establish pumpkin drop-off points after Halloween. The collected pumpkins are then composted to enrich local gardens and parks, showcasing how communities can turn a wasteful tradition into a sustainable practice. More towns across Ireland could easily follow suit, offering po st-Halloween pumpkin recycling events to encourage composting and reduce waste.
Not all pumpkins have to end up in a compost bin. In many cases, they can serve as nutritious fodder for farm animals. Uncarved or barely carved pumpkins (without candle wax, paint, or other non-edible decorations) are suitable for livestock such as pigs and goats. Some farms, across Ireland, have embraced this practice, accepting leftover pumpkins to feed their animals.
One of the key issues with pumpkin waste is the mentality around pumpkins as disposable decorations. Every October, shops are full of massive displays, tempting customers to buy big and buy multiple. But the reality is, less is more. If you’re buying a pumpkin, why not choose a smaller, edible variety that can be eaten after Halloween? The shift doesn’t have to mean abandoning the festive fun; it just means rethinking our traditions to make them more sustainable.
Pumpkin waste may seem like a small problem, but it’s a symbol of a much bigger issue. The 2024 State of the Environment Report makes it clear: Ireland needs stronger policies and more innovative solutions to cut food waste by 50% by 2030, in line with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. One approach could be incentives for households and businesses that actively reduce their food waste, perhaps by offering discounts on waste collection fees for those who compost or donate their leftovers.
Tackling food waste requires a shift in how we think about waste altogether. This Halloween let’s go beyond the carving and make sure our pumpkins aren’t just another fleeting decoration, but part of a broader movement to reduce waste and tread more lightly on our precious planet.
Because the scariest thing isn’t a jack-o’-lantern’s grin... it’s the wasteful habits we need to leave behind.