Households across the UK are being told not to throw away pumpkins in waste bins after Halloween.

Carving and displaying pumpkins outside homes has long been a tradition on Halloween and has become more popular in the UK in recent years. According to folklore, carving a scary face into a pumpkin supposedly wards off evil spirits, but nowadays it is more commonly seen as a sign that a household is taking part in Halloween festivities and is happy to welcome trick-or-treaters. While pumpkins are now part and parcel of the spooky fun on October 31, once the celebration is over households must make sure they dispose of the orange fruit correctly.

Waste experts are urging households not to throw pumpkins in general waste bins after Halloween to avoid sending them to landfill. Instead, households should put pumpkins in the compost bin or pile, or alternatively use their food waste bin.

Once your pumpkin starts to show signs of decay, like browning, mould or turning soft, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. This typically happens around three to five days after carving, but it can be longer in colder weather.

Josh Clarke, from Clear It Waste said: "Each Halloween, pumpkins are consistently disposed of incorrectly. Do not put pumpkins in your general household waste bin.

"They will decompose in the landfill and produce methane gas. This is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and is damaging for the environment.

"Instead look to compost. Remove any candles or paint/decorations, and place the pumpkin in a compost bin or pile. Chopping the pumpkin into smaller pieces can also help it decompose more efficiently.

"Alternatively, use your food waste bin. Check with your local council or recycling service to see if they offer food waste collection for organic materials like pumpkins."

According to experts at Rainbow Rubbish Removals, an estimated 30 million pumpkins are bought in the UK for Halloween, which results in more than 18,000 tonnes of edible pumpkins ending up in the rubbish bin.

It can take up to 20 years for a pumpkin to fully break down in landfill, so the environmental impact is far greater than what many might realise. And as they decompose, pumpkins release methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, so it's important to dispose of the fruit properly.

Local councils across the UK are now urging households to think twice before throwing pumpkins away, with many running pumpkin collection and composting schemes.

Emma Stokes, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, added: "People might think leaving pumpkins out for wildlife is a good idea, but rotting pumpkins can actually harm animals, especially hedgehogs.

"We encourage everyone to enjoy their pumpkins to the fullest so try out some new recipes, or dispose of pumpkins responsibly by composting or repurposing."