Boo! to Waste: How to Have a Sustainable Halloween
As Halloween approaches, the excitement of costumes, decorations, and sweet treats fills the air, but for businesses, it also brings a significant spike in waste generation. Retailers, hospitality venues, event organisers, and more often see an increase in food waste, single-use decorations, disposable costumes, and non-recyclable packaging, contributing to a massive post-Halloween waste footprint. At Flame UK, we understand the importance of sustainable waste management, and we’re here to highlight the impact of Halloween waste and how we can all make more eco-friendly choices.
The Impact of Halloween Waste
Halloween generates a substantial amount of waste each year, much of which ends up in landfills. According to a study by Hubbub, 83% of Halloween costumes are made from non-recyclable, oil-based plastics. This equates to approximately 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste—roughly the same as 83 million plastic bottles—being discarded after just one night of festivities. The polyester used in these costumes can take between 20 to 200 years to decompose, leaving a lasting environmental footprint.
But costumes are not the only culprits. Pumpkin waste is also a major concern. In the UK alone, 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are thrown away each year after Halloween. That’s enough to make around 360 million portions of pumpkin pie. When these pumpkins end up in landfills, they decompose and release methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more harmful to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
Key Halloween Waste Statistics
- 7 million costumes are discarded each year in the UK alone.
- Only 20% of consumers consider sustainability when making Halloween purchases.
- 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are wasted annually in the UK.
- 0.5 kilograms of rubbish is generated by a single trick-or-treater, with most of the waste coming from plastic sweets wrappers and single-use costumes.
- £300 million is spent on Halloween in the UK, with the majority going towards single-use items like costumes, sweets, and decorations.

Reducing Halloween Waste: Practical Steps
Reducing Halloween waste is essential for minimising its environmental impact. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Sustainable Sweets: Consider making your own Halloween treats, or choose sweets with minimal or recyclable packaging. This helps reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from trick-or-treating.
- Reuse or Donate Costumes: Instead of buying new costumes every year, consider reusing old ones or donating them to charity. You can also create your own costumes using recyclable materials like cardboard, which can be a fun and creative alternative.
- Reduce Pumpkin Waste: If you plan to carve pumpkins, use the leftovers to make soups, pies, or other dishes. Once Halloween is over, compost your pumpkins instead of sending them to the landfill. If you don’t have a compost bin, consider sharing with a friend or community composting initiative.
- Eco-Friendly Decorations: Reuse decorations from previous years or make your own using sustainable materials. If you need to buy new decorations, look for those made from recyclable materials or high-quality items that can be reused year after year.
Get in Touch
Halloween waste is a growing concern, but with conscious effort, we can reduce its impact. By reusing costumes, reducing pumpkin waste, and opting for eco-friendly decorations and treats, we can all contribute to a more sustainable Halloween. At Flame UK, we encourage everyone to take small steps towards sustainability this Halloween, ensuring that the holiday remains enjoyable without compromising the health of our planet. For more tips on sustainable waste management or to learn how we can assist with your eco-friendly initiatives, feel free to contact us today!