Halloween is a time of thrills, chills, and treats but beneath the costumes, and pumpkin carvings lurks a horrifying reality —the environmental impact of waste.
Each year, the UK discards an estimated 7 million costumes and 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins, creating significant plastic and food waste for the country.
Industry-leading waste management company, Waste Managed, is sharing some alarming stats and highlighting how Brits can enjoy a greener, more sustainable Halloween this year.
Halloween may only last one night, but its waste lingers far longer. Between plastic costumes, single-use decorations, and leftover pumpkins, the environmental cost is alarming.
Many costumes are made from synthetic materials contributing to 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste—equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles.
In the UK, over 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins get thrown in landfills every year after being used as decorations.
Discussing the issue of Halloween waste, sustainability expert at Waste Managed, Steve Traviss, said; “Halloween is a fun time of year for all, with everyone looking to celebrate, but the long-term impact of waste and buying disposable items needs to be addressed urgently.
“Consumers need to consider sustainability in their Halloween purchases – we all need to make a conscious effort to improve this so that Halloween can be enjoyed for many years to come.”
To help reduce the horror of waste this year Steve also shares simple solutions to reduce waste:
- Costumes: Swap, rent, or make your own from costumes to avoid one-time-use plastics and look to reuse them or donate them to charity when no longer needed.
- Pumpkins: Repurpose carved pumpkins into soups, pies, or compost instead of binning them, look for tasty recipes instead of wasting food.
- Decorations: Purchase reusable decorations that can be utilised for several years or donate them to charity once you finish with them.
Not only consumers but also businesses need to make Halloween more sustainable.
Steve adds; “Waste Managed also urges UK businesses to act by using sustainable decorations, minimising packaging waste, and promoting recycling.
“Restaurants and retailers can also reduce food waste by incorporating pumpkin-based dishes or setting up composting stations. Partnering with a responsible waste management provider ensures compliance with recycling regulations and proper waste segregation.
“Waste Managed is encouraging everyone to make small changes that will have a big impact on reducing Halloween waste. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses and consumers alike can celebrate without leaving a frightening environmental footprint.”
For more information on Halloween waste and to stay updated on the latest from Waste Managed visit: https://www.wastemanaged.co.uk/our-news/halloween/haunted-by-waste-how-to-celebrate-halloween-sustainably/
