Pumpkins—Halloween's less spooky yet no less essential mascot—don't last forever, much as we might want to extend their autumnal glory. If you have a few past-their-prime pumpkins, use this as an opportunity to build a DIY compost bin in your backyard, and make your rotting pumpkins the inaugural ingredient!

Charles & Hudson's kids' blog Built by Kids shows us how to make a DIY compost bin. As Timothy writes,

This year we picked up a 100lb pumpkin that was fun while it lasted but is now rotting in the front yard and it's too big and gross to move easily. We've been wanting to build a compost bin so there is no better time than now and our pumpkins will make the perfect first ingredient for our do-it-yourself compost bin. This bin can be made with easy to find materials and aerating the bin is easy as you or your kids can just place it on its side and roll it over a couple of times to mix the heap.

What You Need

Materials

32 gallon plastic garbage can (we spent a bit more and went with the commercial grade Brute from Rubbermaid - because the lid snaps down tight!)
Aluminum window screen - one roll
2 bungee cords

Tools

3″ hole saw and drill
Staple gun

• Read More: Get the full tutorial at Built by Kids

Thanks, Timothy!

(Images: Built by Kids)