How To Dispose Of Your Rotting Jack-o-Lantern In Michigan

The spookiest day of the year has come and passed, and while your kids are chowing on all the candy they've collected, you're stuck with being the responsible one who has to take down the Halloween decor and debate whether or not it's too early to put up your Christmas lights.

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While there isn't a major deadline for taking down and putting things up around the house, the one thing from Halloween that is on a rigorous timeline is your beautifully carved jack-o-lantern that is slowly rotting on your front porch.

Michigan Grown ranks Michigan as the fourth-highest state in the country for pumpkin production, which is excellent for the economy, but also means there are lots of pumpkins left to rot—an estimated 1 billion pounds of pumpkin in landfills annually, to be exact.

That's why this year, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has released some eco-friendly options for Michiganders to effectively compost jack-o-lanterns.

While EGLE offers excellent community options for cities around the state, there are limited options available for West Michigan.

Compost

If you have a garden, this option is for you. It's as simple as collecting all your yard waste, such as leaves, grass clippings, and wilting jack-o'-lanterns, into a bin to create the perfect soil for next spring. Plus, your kids get to have fun smashing a pumpkin. Learn how to compost using this helpful guide.

A Wildlife Snack

This is arguably the easiest option if you're in an area where wildlife is common: place your jack-o-lantern in a spot where birds, deer, and other animals can nibble on it. This helps you get rid of your spooky creation and gives a yummy snack. However, it may also be the least visually appealing option.

Read More: Grand Rapids Yard Waste Bin, Bag, and Compost Site Guide

Kent County Food Waste

There are several locations, such as the Grand Rapids Compost, that actively accept your pumpkin for composting. The Kent County Public Works has a complete catalogue of options for compost sites around the county. Pumpkins fall under "food scraps", but it's smart to call a place and double-check they accept them before hauling everything there.

If you are not in Kent County, check your county's website for listings of food waste collection services.

You can read the full jack-o-lantern recycling post by the EGLE here.