Pumpkins Backyard Composting Curbside Organics Pumpkins Are Food Scraps Pumpkins — even ones that have been carved — can be disposed of with other food scraps. Composting food scraps diverts organic waste from ending up in a landfill. Ways to Reuse Make a Snack-o-Lantern When you’re done with your jack-o’-lantern, sprinkle some bird seed inside and set it somewhere you can watch birds, squirrels and other wildlife enjoy a snack. Save the Seeds When you scoop out your pumpkin, save the seeds. You can roast them in the oven to eat or plant them in the spring.