Protect Hedgehogs this Halloween: Proper Pumpkin Disposal

Pumpkin season is in full swing, and this Halloween Timloc Building Products is raising awareness on how to dispose of your pumpkins properly and protect hedgehogs in the process.

The sustainable building products manufacturer, based in Howden, East Yorkshire, produces the Hedgehog Highway to create pathways between gardens, allowing hedgehogs to roam freely for food and shelter, vital for their survival during the autumn months.

As autumn brings seasonal activities like pumpkin carving, it’s important to consider what happens to your pumpkins once Halloween is over. Whilst leaving pumpkins out for birds and squirrels may be a good idea, it can be harmful for hedgehogs.

Though hedgehogs love the taste, eating pumpkin can upset their digestive system and cause dehydration, which is life-threatening for hedgehogs in the wild. Every year, there are reports of pumpkins being dumped in forests, creating risks for wildlife.

Here are a few responsible ways to dispose of your pumpkins:

• Raise it up: Place the pumpkin up off the ground so only birds and squirrels can access it.
• Compost: Cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and add it to your compost bin.
• Bury it in flowerbeds: As the pumpkin decomposes, it will nourish the soil. But make sure to remove all seeds to avoid unexpected pumpkin plants.
• Check your local council’s food waste recycling: Some areas accept uncooked food waste in recycling bins. Be sure to check your council’s guidelines first.
• Cook with it: Explore autumnal recipes such as pumpkin soup, cake, muffins, or pie. According to Business Waste1, “22 million pumpkins are discarded in the UK each Halloween, amounting to £32 million in food waste,” with “half of Brits unaware that pumpkins are edible.” Research pumpkin cooking tips, and ensure the pumpkin is cool, bug-free and used within 24 hours of carving.

Make sure to remove any paint or decorations before disposing of pumpkins in any of the recommended ways.

Issy Cooke, Marketing Executive at Timloc Building Products, emphasised the importance of proper disposal:

“It’s crucial to take steps to protect wildlife and reduce landfill waste once we’ve finished with our pumpkins. Every effort makes a difference. Through our Hedgehog Highway initiative, a donation is made to hedgehog charities with every purchase, supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured hedgehogs. This is especially critical in autumn, as hedgehogs prepare for hibernation.”

 

To learn more about the Hedgehog Highway and how you can help hedgehogs, visit: www.hedgehoghighway.co.uk

To find out more about Timloc Building Products, visit: www.timloc.co.uk

Business Waste1: www.businesswaste.co.uk