In Australia, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people celebrating the holiday each year. However, the waste generated by Halloween celebrations is also on the rise. From carved pumpkins to discarded costumes, the amount of rubbish produced during Halloween can be staggering.
With most of this waste ending up in landfill, it’s no wonder that many people are calling for a more sustainable approach to the holiday. So, what can be done to reduce the waste generated at Halloween? One simple way is to use reusable or recyclable materials where possible.
For example, instead of buying a disposable plastic pumpkin, why not carve one out of recycled cardboard? Or, if you’re looking for a costume that will last beyond one night, try making your own from items you already have in your home. By making just a few small changes, we can all help to make Halloween a little bit more sustainable – and that’s something worth celebrating.
Here are the waste types to recognise and manage:
1. Halloween Pumpkin Waste
Every year, Australians buy millions of pumpkins to carve for Halloween. But what happens to all those pumpkins once the holiday is over?
Most of them end up in landfill, where they quickly break down and release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Pumpkin waste is one of the biggest contributors to methane emissions in Australia.
2. Halloween Plastic Waste
As anyone who has been to a Halloween party knows, the holiday can create a lot of plastic waste. From carved pumpkins to candy wrappers, there is a lot of waste that ends up in the trash. However, there are ways to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is created on Halloween.
One way is to use reusable pumpkin carving kits. These kits come with tools that can be used year after year, eliminating the need for disposable knives and saws. Another way to reduce waste is to hand out candy that is not individually wrapped.
This can be done by using bulk bags or containers. Finally, it is important to recycle any plastic that is used on Halloween.
3. Halloween Costume Waste
While costumes can be reused or passed down, many people end up throwing them away after just one wear. There are some simple ways to reduce the environmental impact of your Halloween costume. First, try to purchase a costume that can be worn multiple times. This might mean opting for a classic witch or vampire costume over a trendy character from a popular movie
Second, look for second-hand costumes at consignment shops or online. Finally, if you do end up with a costume that you can’t reuse, make sure to recycle it instead of throwing it in the trash. By following these simple tips, you can help reduce the amount of Halloween costume waste and make your holiday more sustainable.
4. Halloween Decor Waste
While these decorations may be convenient, they can quickly become landfill clutter. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the environmental impact of your Halloween decorating. For example, instead of using disposable plastic pumpkins, you can purchase reusable ones made of cloth or metal.
You can make your decorations out of recycled materials. By making a few simple changes, you can enjoy a more sustainable Halloween while helping to protect the environment.
Enjoy a Zero-Waste Halloween With Skip Bin Hire from Access Waste
Halloween is a fun time of year for getting dressed up, going to parties and, of course, Trick or Treating. However, it’s also a time when a lot of waste is generated. From costumes and decorations to wrappers and candy wrappers, it can be hard to avoid creating trash.
Fortunately, there are some simple ways to enjoy a zero-waste Halloween. One option is to use a bin hire service from Access Waste. We specialise in recycling as much waste as possible, so you can feel good about disposing of your holiday trash.
We also offer a variety of other waste management services that can help you reduce your impact on the environment all year round. Contact us today to learn more about our skip bin hire services.