IN the run up to Hallowe’en, it’s estimated that more than one million pumpkins are bought in the UK, ready to be carved and placed on doorsteps and window sills across the country.

However, after Hallowe’en pumpkins can often share the same fate as other vegetables and become part of the 62,000 tonnes of food each year which ends up being thrown away in Hampshire.

Sean Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “It may seem like a small thing, but throwing away a pumpkin and, indeed, any fruit or vegetables add to the volume of household waste which needs to be disposed of.

“We have an excellent record in Hampshire of diverting waste from landfill – only 6.6 per cent of Hampshire’s household waste went to landfill last year – but we want to improve on this.

“Each month, Hampshire households throw away an estimated £60 of food that could have been eaten, and so I would urge everyone to think about what they put in their bin and if there is an option to re-use, recycle or compost it.”

The county council aims to reduce waste by encouraging residents to think about food and garden waste and has launched the Smart Living initiative to provide advice and tips to help everyone save money and waste less. Pumpkins, for example, are an excellent seasonal vegetable packed full of vitamins and minerals.

Pumpkin leftovers placed into a compost bin with a good balance of other suitable food and garden waste will rot down to produce environmentally friendly compost in six to nine months. When ready, compost can be used as a soil improver on all types of plant beds; suppressing plant disease weeds and help to retain moisture throughout the drier months.

For more details, visit hants.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.