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As Halloween decorations start to disappear from doorsteps, waste specialists are warning people not to throw away their pumpkins carelessly or dump them in the countryside. With millions of pumpkins being carved across the UK each year, a waste removal company is urging households to think twice before tossing them out. A spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers has explained that the wrong disposal methods can harm wildlife and add to unnecessary landfill waste. They said: "Every year, thousands of pumpkins end up in bins or are dumped outdoors once the Halloween celebrations are over. "While it might seem harmless to leave pumpkins in fields, parks or woodland, it can actually cause real problems for local wildlife. Pumpkins are not a natural food source and can make animals like hedgehogs and foxes ill if they eat them. "They also decompose quickly, attracting rodents and spreading bacteria that can harm the balance of local ecosystems. What starts as a well-meaning act can end up being an environmental issue if not handled correctly. "If someone is caught dumping waste illegally, local authorities can issue fixed penalty notices, often up to £1,000 . In more serious cases, courts can impose fines as high as £50,000, or even unlimited fines, depending on the scale and harm of the offence." Disposing of pumpkins incorrectly can result in a fine, as it is viewed as fly-tipping or littering. Although it might appear innocent, intentionally abandoning a pumpkin in a public area such as a park or forest constitutes illegal waste dumping. The penalties for this can be severe: For more severe offences, the case may proceed to court: In addition to the legal consequences, there are significant environmental factors that discourage this practice. Wildlife specialists, such as the Woodland Trust and Forestry England, recommend not leaving pumpkins in natural habitats. By throwing pumpkins outdoors to decompose, this kind of waste can have a wider environmental impact. The spokesperson added: "When pumpkins are thrown into general waste, they often end up in a landfill where they release methane as they rot. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, so small changes like composting or recycling food waste can make a big difference." To prevent a fine and safeguard the environment, dispose of your pumpkin in a responsible manner. The spokesperson also says there are many better ways to dispose of leftover pumpkins without letting them go to waste. "Pumpkin flesh is full of nutrients and can be turned into soups, stews, curries or even baked goods. "If you prefer not to eat it, the remains can be placed in your food waste recycling or added to a home compost bin. Pumpkin is rich in water and nitrogen, which helps speed up composting and creates excellent natural fertiliser for gardens." The company is encouraging households to plan ahead next year by buying fewer pumpkins or using the whole fruit. The spokesperson said: "From the seeds to the skin, almost every part of a pumpkin can be used in the kitchen or garden. Making the most of it not only cuts down on waste but also helps protect wildlife and reduce your household’s carbon footprint."
