November 2, 2025, 10:14 am | Read time: 3 minutes
After Halloween, the less fun part of the celebration begins: cleaning up. What to do with the moldy pumpkin, torn paper masks, or the plastic packaging from zombie candies? myHOMEBOOK reveals how to properly dispose of decorations and costumes after Halloween.
Pumpkins Only Under Certain Conditions in Organic Waste
As the carved pumpkin face slowly rots, the question of proper disposal arises. However, not every decorative pumpkin can simply go on the compost or in the organic waste bin. “That’s only possible if it was treated with cooking oil or vinegar water,” reveals Anja Schwengel-Exner from the Consumer Center Bavaria.
If the pumpkin was treated with candle wax, paint, petroleum jelly, hairspray, or spray paint, it should not go in the organic waste, according to the consumer advocate. It belongs in the residual waste—as do burnt-out tea lights, as the initiative “Waste Separation Works” adds. If there is a recycling bin, metal parts can be disposed of there.
Candy Packaging Belongs in the Yellow Bag
Whether gummy eyes, fruit gummy ghosts, or candies in spooky designs—with the sweets comes a lot of packaging. And it should be properly separated: According to the initiative “Waste Separation Works,” candy bags, wrapping films, coated beverage cartons, pumpkin-shaped plastic buckets, and other plastic packaging belong in the yellow bin or yellow bag. It’s important to remove rubber bands or small metal parts beforehand, as they belong in the residual waste.
Even worn-out vampire teeth, broken zombie masks, or other costume parts made of plastic can go in the yellow bag, according to the initiative.
Paper Decorations Not Always Suitable for Recycling Paper
Witch masks made of cardboard, broken paper garlands, or clean boxes and bags can go in the recycling paper bin, provided they are not soiled. It’s different for used paper napkins, tablecloths with food residues, or greasy pizza boxes: These belong in the residual waste.
Similarly, coated paper plates, cups with glitter prints, or sheets smeared with fake blood should not go in the recycling paper. They also end up in the residual waste.
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Properly Separate Glass Packaging
Empty glasses from witch’s punch or disposable bottles without a deposit should be sorted by color in the glass recycling container. Clear glass with clear, green glass with green, and brown glass with brown. What about red or blue bottles? According to “Waste Separation Works,” they should go in the green glass container, as it best accommodates mixed colors.
An Important Note: Even though Halloween falls on a Friday this year, in German states where November 1 is a silent holiday (All Saints’ Day), the disposal of glass is prohibited on this day.
Less Waste Through Conscious Consumption
For the next Halloween party, it’s worth thinking sustainably when shopping. Ökotest advises: When buying accessories or costumes, avoid cheap mass-produced goods from Asia. They may contain carcinogenic substances or banned plasticizers.
Moreover, low-quality products often last only one party and quickly end up in the trash. Better: opt for quality or make your own. The initiative “Waste Separation Works” recommends making decorations or costumes from old bed sheets. This helps avoid packaging waste. Those who bake or cook themselves, instead of buying pre-packaged sweets, can also contribute.
With material from dpa