City of Iowa City, IA
09/27/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2022 12:48
Enjoy a safe, fun, and Earth-friendly Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner, and the City has some Earth-friendly ways to celebrate the spookiest of holidays.
With the City's official Halloween trick-or-treat hours set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, Iowa City's recycling coordinator Jane Wilch has a Jack-o'-lantern filled with fun ideas on how to enjoy a green Halloween this year.
Durable, reusable, recyclable Halloween decorations
Choose quality, durable decorations that you can use year after year. This saves money and reduces waste over time.
If you prefer recyclable decorations, avoid metallic or glitter-coated decorations, as these cannot be recycled. More information at icgov.org/recycle.
Eco-friendly costumes
Use what you already have around the house to create a costume, or shop for a costume secondhand! Check out our great selection of local secondhand and consignment stores for costumes.
Give sustainable treats
Consider candy options with less packaging or that have organic or Fairtrade status. Alternatively, you can offer a treat other than candy!
Sometimes individually-wrapped candy is the easiest and safest option. Most wrappers are not recyclable, so be sure to place these in the trash once the candy is eaten.
Collect your candy and treats in a reusable or durable option
Use a reusable cloth bag, pillowcase, or wicker basket (among many other options) to carry your candy around while trick-or-treating.
Compost your pumpkins and gourds
Iowa City curbside customers can compost at the curb. Remove any candles or lights from inside your pumpkin and place it in your yellow-top organics cart or in a paper yard waste bag, and then set it at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.
Residents can also take pumpkins to the Iowa City Landfill's Compost Facility to be composted at no cost.
Questions? Call our Recycling Coordinator at 319-887-6110 or email at [email protected]. Sign up to receive curbside service notices at icgov.org/subscribe.