Time to Transition from Fall to Winter
November is the perfect time to pack up the pumpkins and clear out the last of your garden before winter sets in. Whether you're taking down Halloween decorations, removing wilted mums, or dealing with leftover hay bales, fall cleanup can quickly add up. Disposing of seasonal items the right way helps keep your property clean and your waste out of the landfill when possible.
A little planning goes a long way. Knowing what to throw out, what to compost, and what to recycle can make your seasonal transition smoother and more sustainable.
Compost What You Can
Many fall decorations are made from natural materials, which means they can be composted instead of thrown away. Pumpkins, gourds, straw, hay, cornstalks, and flowers like mums and marigolds all break down well in compost piles.
Before composting, be sure to remove any candles, paint, or synthetic embellishments. Cut up larger items into smaller pieces to help them decompose faster. If you already maintain a compost pile, this is a great opportunity to add high-carbon materials and balance out any kitchen scraps.
If you don’t compost at home, check with your municipality to see if they offer a composting drop-off site or curbside collection.
Know What Needs to Go in the Trash
While many items can be composted or recycled, some fall décor should go directly into the trash. Painted pumpkins, plastic scarecrows, synthetic wreaths, and foam decorations are not compostable or recyclable.
If any of your outdoor décor has been damaged by rain or mold, it may not be safe to compost. In those cases, bag the items securely and place them with your regular trash pickup.
At Westfield Dispose All, we offer reliable residential waste services to help you manage seasonal changes like this. If you’re ever unsure about what can be collected, give us a call and we’ll be happy to guide you.
Yard Waste: Bag It and Tag It Right
Once your garden beds are cleared and your lawn raked for the last time, you’ll likely have piles of leaves, sticks, and plant clippings to dispose of. Be sure to follow your town’s rules for yard waste pickup, especially regarding the type of bags to use and the scheduled pickup days.
Use biodegradable lawn bags for leaves and loose clippings, and bundle sticks neatly with twine if needed. Keeping everything tidy and well-contained helps our crews work faster and more safely.
If you need an extra pickup or have larger volumes of yard waste than usual, contact us ahead of time so we can accommodate your needs.
Think About Reusing for Next Year
Before tossing everything, take a quick inventory of what can be reused next season. Decorative baskets, ceramic pumpkins, fall-themed signs, and faux leaves can all be stored and used again. By saving and reusing some items, you’ll reduce waste and save money next year.
Consider organizing your decorations in labeled bins to make setup easier when next fall rolls around. This also helps prevent buying duplicates or throwing things out simply because they were misplaced.
When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
Not sure what to do with a particular item? Reach out to us. Westfield Dispose All has been helping local residents manage seasonal waste for generations. We’re happy to help you figure out the best disposal method for anything you’re unsure about.
We believe responsible waste management starts with good information. And we’re always here to support you in keeping your property and your community clean.
Let’s Wrap Up Fall the Right Way
As the days grow shorter and the holiday season approaches, taking a little time to clean up your fall décor and yard waste can make a big difference. It clears space for winter decorations, protects your lawn from damage, and keeps your neighborhood looking its best.
Westfield Dispose All is proud to serve Union, Somerset, and Middlesex counties with dependable, local waste removal services. If you have questions or need assistance with your fall cleanup, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re just a call away and always ready to help.
