Celebrating Halloween is part of enjoying Fall and October.
However, a topic often highlighted much less is the waste it generates. The aftermath of this consumption leaves behind an insurmountable amount of waste, including single-use costumes, plastic decorations, and candy wrappers, much of which ends up in landfills and incinerators—two factors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
While these statements are staggering, I believe that embracing conscious behaviors and actions can reduce Halloween waste. Brightmark’s Halloween recycling program, developed with our community partners at Country Meadow Elementary, is working to make Halloween waste less frightful for the planet by recycling difficult-to-recycle plastics (like candy wrappers) that are not traditionally recyclable with most recycling facilities. Programs like this offer twofold benefits: a pragmatic solution to address Halloween waste while educating young minds about the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship.
I am thrilled by the potential of programs like this to shape the future. They also show the power of community. Our collective efforts can profoundly impact our communities and the environment when we come together.
The collaboration between Brightmark and Country Meadow Elementary is a shining beacon for what’s possible. It demonstrates to schools, businesses, and communities across the country the potential of adopting a proactive approach to waste management that serves as a blueprint for creating a world without waste.
Let’s make waste less frightening for the planet—on Halloween and all year round.
Bob Powell
