As Halloween nears, the Solid Waste and Recycling Team in Gilbert, AZ, is sharing eco-friendly tips to reduce post-holiday waste. They warn that decorations and costumes can harm the environment and disrupt city services. For instance, faux cobwebs can get caught in garbage trucks, so residents are reminded to secure these items before throwing them away, as mentioned by Gilbert Town's official website.
The same principles of reuse and repurposing apply to Halloween costumes, with the town encouraging people to get resourceful; whether that’s by reworking what they already own, sharing with friends, or hunting for one-of-a-kind finds at thrift stores, which can also be a wallet-friendly move. After Halloween, it’s important to know what to throw away. Candy wrappers should go straight into the trash because they can't be recycled, and plastic candy buckets can’t be recycled either.
The fate of jack-o'-lanterns post-All Hallows' Eve is another area of concern. The traditional smashing or trashing of pumpkins can lead to methane production in landfills, which is nothing short of an environmental nightmare. Instead, Gilbert suggests more planet-positive options, such as composting those grinning gourds, donating them to animal sanctuaries, or converting old pumpkins into pies, soups, or bread, as per Gilbert Town's official website.
If you’re unsure about what can be recycled, residents can use the town’s Waste Wizard tool for help. For trick-or-treaters wanting a bucket without plastic waste, consider alternatives like cloth bags, pillowcases, or metal pails. These can be fun costume accessories and also durable candy holders.
