LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As Halloween comes to an end, there’s a new way to make sure leftover pumpkins don’t go to waste. Las Vegas Livestock launched a week-long recycling initiative to collect used jack-o’-lanterns and turn them into tasty, long-lasting treats for their pigs. This effort helps feed thousands of animals while also benefiting the environment.

Farm manager Sarah Stallard explained how much the livestock enjoy this seasonal treat.

“Our pigs really like the taste of it,” Stallard said.

But recycling pumpkins isn’t just about giving pigs a delicious snack. Stallard emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to reintroduce food waste into the food cycle, reducing pressure on local landfills.

“It’s a better way to use the food we have here, which is plentiful,” she said.

Collection bins are now open at two locations in the Las Vegas Valley: UNLV’s Rebel Recycling Center, located at the southeast corner of Flamingo Road and Swenson Street, and the Gilcrease Ranch Pumpkin Patch, at 7800 N. Tenaya Way. The farm aims to keep pumpkins out of landfills and maximize recycling efforts during this busy season.

“As our population increases, so do our landfills and waste,” Stallard said. “We need to think about the impact on the Earth to ensure lasting sustainability. »

Residents dropping off pumpkins at recycling sites say it’s an easy way to contribute to a healthier environment.

“We want to keep things from ending up in landfills as much as possible,” said one recycler. “If we can use the pumpkins for other purposes, I think that’s great.”

At the Gilcrease Ranch Pumpkin Patch, visitors seemed surprised to learn of the positive impact their pumpkins could have.

“Did you know that pigs love pumpkins? KTNV reporter Shakeria Hawkins asked a shopper, who laughed and replied, “Haha, no, I didn’t know that!” »

Many people said they didn’t know that pumpkins could be both a nutritious treat for livestock and a way to reduce waste.

“Now that I know, I’m glad you stopped me,” one shopper said. “That’s cool, that’s good to know.”

Las Vegas Livestock, which feeds more than 5,000 pigs and focuses year-round on recycling food waste from grocery stores, casinos and restaurants, hopes to expand its environmental impact by involving the community.

Over the next week, residents will be able to drop off Halloween pumpkins in designated collection bins at locations in the North and South Valleys.

Locations of collection bins:

South – UNLV Rebel Recycling Center, SE corner of Flamingo and Swenson (behind solar dishes)

North-Gilcrease Ranch Pumpkin Patch, 7800 North Tenaya Way