How to Reduce Waste at Halloween

Halloween can be a season of fun and imagination, but it often comes with a mountain of plastic packaging, single-use decorations and wasted food. In the UK, around 14 million pumpkins go uneaten each year, and most Halloween costumes are made from oil-based plastics, worn once and thrown away. But it does not have to be this way.

Local communities are finding creative ways to make celebrations more sustainable. By rethinking how we prepare for Halloween, we can cut waste, save money and inspire others to do the same.

Costume Swaps and Rewearing

One of the most effective ways to reduce Halloween waste is to avoid buying new costumes. Many shop-bought costumes are made from synthetic materials that cannot be recycled and quickly end up in landfill. 

Try a costume swap

Why not organise or contribute to a costume swap in your community? These could be held at schools, libraries or local halls, so it’s worth checking if one is already running in your area. These events are simple to run and help families save money.

Try charity shops and marketplaces

Charity shops are another good option for finding second-hand costumes, especially for children who grow out of outfits quickly. Online marketplaces often have listings for gently used costumes as well. If you want to borrow instead of buying, renting a costume could be an option too from a fancy dress hire company.

Try getting crafty

For a more personal touch, try making your own costume using clothes and materials already at home. Cardboard, fabric scraps, and everyday items can be transformed into something unique. Or, you could repair and reuse an old costume to give it a new life.

Whatever you choose, all of these approaches can reduce waste and support the circular economy.

Cut Out Single Use Plastic Decorations

Shop-bought Halloween decorations often rely on synthetic materials and plastic that cannot be recycled. Making your own decorations from paper, cardboard or natural items can reduce waste and offer a creative activity to share with others.

For example, try crafting paper chains, cardboard bats or lanterns using painted jam jars. Autumn leaves, conkers and twigs can be collected on local walks and used to create seasonal displays. Best of all, reusable decorations can be stored and used year after year.

Making decorations together also strengthens community connections and supports the broader goal of cutting consumption and reducing plastic waste.

Make Your Party Kit Reusable

If you are hosting a Halloween party, you can cut waste by avoiding disposable plates, cups and tablecloths. Instead, consider borrowing a reusable kit from your local hub through the Party Kit Network. This UK-wide group of volunteers is helping communities reduce waste at events by making it easy to access reusable tableware.

Eat Your Pumpkin

Too many pumpkins are carved and then binned, creating unnecessary food waste. Pumpkins can be eaten and enjoyed in lots of different ways. After carving, the flesh can be used in soups, curries, stews or pies. Roasting the seeds with a little oil and seasoning also makes a nutritious snack.

Where possible, choose locally grown pumpkins to reduce food miles. Any parts you do not eat can be composted at home or through your local food waste collection service. This simple shift supports actions to cut food waste and support local growers.

Work Together Locally at Halloween

Reducing waste at Halloween is not only a personal choice. It becomes easier and more impactful when it is a shared community effort. Local councils can support costume swaps by providing space or promotion through local networks. Schools and libraries can run reuse workshops and share ideas for sustainable celebrations.

Community groups can organise pumpkin rescue events or DIY decoration sessions, helping families learn new skills and build connections. These activities align with the local powers we all hold to shape more sustainable and strong communities.

Small Changes at Halloween Make a Lasting Impact

Halloween does not have to be wasteful. With a bit of planning and a focus on reuse, we can create celebrations that are just as fun and far less damaging. These changes also show others what is possible and help shift expectations around how we celebrate.

FAQs

What can I do with pumpkins after Halloween?

After Halloween, there are several ways to use leftover pumpkins. You can cook the flesh into soups, pies, curries or stews. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a healthy snack. If the pumpkin has already started to go soft or isn’t suitable for eating, compost it at home or place it in your council’s food waste collection. Avoid sending it to landfill where it produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.

How can I reduce waste with Halloween costumes?

To reduce waste with Halloween costumes, avoid buying new plastic-based outfits. Instead, take part in costume swaps, visit charity shops or make your own using materials from home. This approach reduces landfill waste and encourages a circular way of thinking. It also saves money and allows for more creativity.

What is the most sustainable way to decorate for Halloween?

The most sustainable way to decorate is by reusing items or making your own from natural or recyclable materials. Avoid buying plastic decorations. Use paper, cardboard or natural finds like leaves and twigs. Store decorations to use again in future years or share with neighbours to reduce waste further.

How can I run a low-waste Halloween party?

You can run a low-waste Halloween party by using reusable tableware, available to borrow from your local hub through the Party Kit Network. Serve homemade food, avoid single-use plastic and encourage guests to bring reusable containers if there are leftovers. Decorations and costumes can also follow reuse principles.

How can I avoid wasting unwanted trick or treating sweets?

Unwanted sweets from trick or treating do not need to go to waste. Consider swapping them with friends or neighbours so nothing is left unused. Some schools and community groups run guessing games like ‘how many sweets in the jar’ where donated sweets can be repurposed for fundraising. You can also store sweets in airtight jars for future baking projects or as occasional treats.

Sources:

• https://www.recyclenow.com/how-to-recycle/sustainable-halloween
• https://www.lesswaste.org.uk/reduce/halloween/

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