An annual pumpkin smashing event is taking place in Leicester to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill at Halloween.
People are being asked not to bin their carved pumpkin after the festivities on October 31, but instead to bring it along to the annual event, on November 9, where it will be composted for the good of the environment.
Picture: Unsplash
The pumpkin smash will take place at Stokes Wood Allotments in Leicester between 10.30-12.30.
It will then be composted, in order to help grow food, reduce greenhouse gases, capture carbon in the soil and reduce waste sent to landfill.
Community groups, local authorities, environmental and food groups, allotment societies, schools, pubs and food fanatics are all invited to take part in the initiative, which is supported by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and the National Allotment Society.
“Up to four million pumpkins are brought to carve and display over Halloween with the edible flesh of many being discarded as waste and ending up with most of the lanterns in landfill. This produces an additional 18,000 tons of landfill waste directly attributable to the Halloween festivities,” said Rod Weston , an active participant in community composting.
To donate your pumpkins or arrange collection or a group smash on another day email: carryoncomposting1@gmail.com
