Now that Halloween is over you may be wondering what to do with your jack-o’-lantern and all those cute, decorative pumpkins. But before turning to drop your pumpkins in the trash, consider this spooky fact: Food scraps are the largest component of solid waste in our landfills, and when they rot, they emit methane gas, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide! Pretty scary, right?

Here are some tips to save your pumpkins from haunting a landfill.

1. Cook it up!

From pumpkin spiced lattes to pumpkin chili, this time of year, pumpkin is certainly on everyone’s culinary mind. Here are some recipe ideas to satisfy your pumpkin cravings!
In these recipes, substitute one 15 oz. can of pumpkin puree with 2 cups, roasted and pureed pumpkin meat.

2. Roast those seeds!

Never let your jack-o’-lantern innards go to waste! Separate the seeds and start roasting!

3. Make a pretty planter.

Fall is here and the days are getting shorter, so what better way to brighten your office or suite than with a pumpkin planter! Stick any plant in a scooped out pumpkin, and when your pumpkin starts to decompose, plant the whole thing in the ground!

4. Apply to your face.

Pumpkins are healthy for you on the inside and out! Mix up a mask to apply to your face and benefit from all of pumpkin’s enriching properties.

5. Compost it!

Whatever you decide to do with your pumpkins, make sure to compost any remnants. Bring your pumpkins to one of the NYC Compost Project Pumpkin Smash events, or drop your pumpkin in the nearest compost bin.