CLC collects pumpkins for composting

Diverting used pumpkins from landfills to composting was the goal of the College of Lake County's second pumpkin recycling event.

After a pleasantly surprising turnout last year, CLC added pumpkin bowling and expanded Saturday's event at the Grayslake campus by an hour with the hope of convincing more people to drop off their pumpkins.

It was one of many similar events in the region, as interest in composting pumpkins to curb methane emissions and enrich soil has been increasing.

Pumpkins are 90 percent water and release methane gas when they begin to rot, experts say. Landfills are the third-largest producers of methane gas, which environmentalists say contributes to climate change.

Pumpkins are said to be filled with nutrients that are good for soil.