Disposing of Weed Waste
Following on from our Pest Plant Control 101 blog post, we have some specific tips on how to get rid of weed waste responsibly. It’s not as easy as getting rid of fallen leaves and other plant waste. Many weeds (like Tradescantia) can grow from small fragments and are easily spread from dumped piles. Don’t make the problem worse by disposing of your weed waste incorrectly!
Do the right thing
- Take your weed waste to a local Waste Transfer Station that handles greenwaste.
- Use a tarpaulin to cover your load while enroute.
- Compost is an option, but be careful as some weeds and their seeds will survive this.
- Choose the relevant disposal option below before you begin. Different types of weeds require a different approach.
Disposing of weeds that grow from fragments
e.g. Tradescantia, Selaginella, Blue morning glory.
Make sure you don’t leave any plant pieces behind. Do not add to compost until treated as below:
- In warm areas, lay in the sun on concrete to completely dry out.
- In cooler areas, place in plastic bags and cover with water. Leave to rot.
- Once waste is completely dried or rotted, either compost or take to landfill.
Disposing of weeds with tubers/corms
e.g. Wild ginger, Madeira vine.
Do not add to compost until treated as below:
- Remove problem parts (tubers, rhizomes, berries & fruit) and send to landfill for deep burial. Compost other parts of the plant.
- Rhizomes or tubers can also be hung up in trees in dry regions to wither. They can then be burnt or taken to landfill.
Disposing of weeds with lots of seeds or berries
e.g. Darwin’s Barberry, Climbing Spindle Berry.
Before burying or composting, be sure to remove all parts of the plant that can survive to grow again – seeds, berries and persistent tubers and roots.
- Finely shredding weeds in a garden will increase their rate of breakdown.
- The heat generated during composting helps ensure that no parts of the plant can re-grow.
Want further advice?
Our team has experience controlling a range of weeds across our district and can help point you in the right direction or visit your property to assist with control. Contact our team today to learn more.
Information adapted from the Weedbusters guide to Disposing of Weed Waste.