🏡 A Guide for Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge-Guelph Residents
From The Saunders Tremblay Realty Team
As Halloween winds down across Waterloo Region, millions of pumpkins face an uncertain fate.
Understanding the environmental impact — and exploring responsible disposal options — can help homeowners make a positive difference in their community.
🌎 The Pumpkin Waste Problem in Canada
The numbers are sobering:
🇨🇦 In 2020, Canada produced 96,220 tonnes of pumpkins; by 2022, this fell to 73,603 tonnes.
🧑🌾 More than 2,500 farms across Canada grow about 80,000 metric tonnes each year.
🎃 Canadians buy 10 million pumpkins annually, and most of them are never eaten.
When tossed in the garbage, pumpkins create serious environmental problems.
Rotting pumpkins in landfills release methane, a greenhouse gas 28× more potent than carbon dioxide.
Landfills produce roughly 23% of Canada’s methane emissions.
💡 Eco Tip: Composting one pumpkin instead of trashing it prevents over 1 lb of CO₂-equivalent emissions from entering the atmosphere.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Dump Pumpkins in Nature
You may have seen social media posts encouraging people to “leave pumpkins for wildlife.”
While well-meaning, this can cause harm:
🦌 Too much pumpkin can make some animals sick.
🍂 Mouldy pumpkins can be dangerous or toxic.
🚯 Leaving pumpkins on private property or preserves is littering.
✅ Better Option: Donate your fresh, uncarved pumpkins to a local animal sanctuary or farm. Animals will enjoy them safely and sustainably.
🐷 Where Waterloo Region Homeowners Can Donate Pumpkins
Here are local places that accept fresh pumpkin donations for their animals (always call ahead to confirm):
💧 Donation Tip:
Only donate fresh, undecorated pumpkins — remove all paint, markers, stickers, wax, and candles. Avoid donating anything mouldy or rotting.
🌱 Other Responsible Options for Waterloo Region Residents
If donating isn’t possible, here are other eco-friendly ways to dispose of pumpkins:
🪱 Compost Them
Break pumpkins into smaller pieces for your green bin or backyard compost. They enrich the soil naturally.🥣 Cook With Them
Many pumpkin varieties are edible! Try soups, pies, muffins, or roasted seeds for a healthy autumn treat.🏘️ Check Local Programs
Contact your municipality for green bin pickup or special pumpkin collection events in Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge–Guelph.🐔 Feed Backyard Chickens
If you or your neighbours have chickens, they’ll happily enjoy pumpkin as a nutritious snack.
💬 A Message from The Saunders Tremblay Realty Team
At The Saunders Tremblay Realty Team, we believe that community care starts at home — and that includes caring for the environment.
Simple steps like donating or composting pumpkins reduce waste, support local animal sanctuaries, and keep our neighbourhoods beautiful.
This Halloween season, let’s work together to keep Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph clean, green, and sustainable.
By composting, cooking, or donating your pumpkins instead of tossing them, you’re making a real difference.
🌟 Together, we can turn Halloween waste into something wonderful!
📍 The Saunders Tremblay Realty Team – Serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph with care, integrity, and community spirit.
Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Blog Post: November 1, 2025