When Halloween is over and your jack o’ lantern has seen better days, don’t toss it in the trash. Give your pumpkin a second life as compost!

New Hope residents have several options for recycling pumpkins. Nov. 1 through 9, pumpkins can be dropped off at New Hope Church, 4225 Gettysburg Ave N. The dark green dumpster is located on the east side of the parking lot near Gettysburg Avenue. Pumpkins are also accepted at the Brooklyn Park Central Park drop-off site, across from 8300 Noble Ave N.

If you participate in curbside organics recycling, pumpkins can go directly into your organics cart. Registered participants can also use the free, year-round organics drop off at Crystal Cove Aquatics Center. Visit hrg-recycling.com/organics to register.

Another option is the Maple Grove Yard Waste Site. Bring your pumpkins along with your leaves and other accepted yard waste before the site closes for the season on Nov. 30. Pumpkins can also be added to a backyard compost bin. Whichever option you choose, remember to remove candles, wax and decorations before recycling your pumpkin.

Once collected, pumpkins are taken to a composting facility where they break down into nutrient rich compost that can be used to help grow new plants. Instead of taking up space in the trash, this year’s jack o’lantern could help grow something new.