Marina
After Halloween, a massive amount of pumpkins end up in landfills where they generate methane—an extremely high-impact greenhouse gas.
Donating your leftover pumpkins to a local pig rescue turns what would be waste into nutritious feed and supports the sanctuary’s budget during the fall influx of animals.
Are pumpkins safe for pigs?
Yes—plain un-decorated pumpkins are safe for pigs and other rescue livestock. They provide fibre and natural nutrients. Rescues just avoid pumpkins that are mouldy, rotten, painted or covered in glitter because these can pose health risks.
What to bring (and what to skip)
| Item/Condition | Accepted | Not Accepted | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole, uncarved, unpainted pumpkins | yes | Safe for animals, easy to process | |
| Pumpkins with mould or rot | no | Can harbour harmful bacteria and toxins | |
| Painted, glittered or shell-acked pumpkins | no | Decorative chemicals are unsafe for animals | |
| Pumpkins with candles, wax or decoration stuck inside | no | Choking hazards or contamination risk | |
| Clean squash/gourds (may be accepted) | yes | Check locally — facility policies may vary |
How to donate in 3 easy steps
- Find a nearby drop-off location – Many rescues list donation drives after Halloween to collect acceptable pumpkins.
- Prepare your pumpkin – Remove decorations, glitter, tape, candles; rinse off excess dirt.
- Drop off within listed hours – Many rescues handle large batches right after Halloween and may have volunteers or bins ready for donations.
Environmental bonus
Each donated pumpkin helps remove organic waste from landfill, cutting methane emissions and supporting a circular economy of food & feed. Plus, local rescues benefit financially, as they can allocate feed budgets elsewhere when donations help reduce costs.
Pro tips for donors
- Bring any amount – Whether you have one small pumpkin or several from neighbours, it all helps.
- Time it right – Mid-October through early November is typically highest donation season; check when your local site is active.
- Have a backup – If your pumpkin is too soft, mouldy or decorated beyond rescue guidelines, compost it instead. This still keeps it out of landfill and returns nutrients to the soil.
Donating your leftover pumpkins is a small effort that delivers big benefits: support for animal rescues, reduced environmental waste and a better second life for your holiday decorations.
Just remember the simple guidelines—whole, uncarved, unpainted, mould-free—and you’ll turn a leftover pumpkin into something meaningful.
Whether you have a single gourd or half a dozen, your contribution helps—and it’s easy to drop off, feel good, and know you’re doing something positive for both animals and planet.