Noxious Weed Disposal

Got weeds? This time of year, Wahkiakum County has plenty. So what do you do with them? This week we will give you some ideas on disposal methods for noxious weed material. Disposal of noxious weed material can vary depending on the plant species, growth stage of the plant and quantity of plant material.

General techniques: if plants are flowering, cut and bag flowers, when possible, to prevent seed development and dispersal. Seal bags and put them in the trash. If they have been treated with herbicide, they may be left in place with some exceptions.

Woody and herbaceous material: small amounts of woody plant material that do not have seeds and do not spread vegetatively can be controlled by pulling or cutting plants and leaving them on site with roots exposed to dry, making a brush pile, chipping or burning. If seeds are present, leave on site and pile and cover with a tarp or burn and monitor the area for new plants.

Drying: plant parts without flowers or seeds that will not spread vegetatively can be left on the ground and monitored as they dry out. If plants don’t have flowers or seeds but may still spread, they should be left on tarps, pavement or other surfaces that prevent them from taking root in the soil.

Pile and Tarp: for large amounts, pile plant material on plastic sheet or tarp and securely cover with another tarp to prevent light and water from reaching plant parts and to keep plant parts contained. Leave plants tarped until the material is completely dried out.

Bag and trash: For toxic plants and small infestations of noxious weeds, the entire plant can be removed and sealed into a plastic trash bag and disposed. When possible, allow bagged plants to rot in a sunny location, then dispose of in regular trash.

Composting at home: most home compost piles do not get hot enough to kill seeds or plants, so only add noxious weeds that do not have flowers or seeds. Do not compost toxic plants. Periodically monitor your compost area for any escaping weeds.

Dry material of some toxic plants remains toxic for years. It is best to dispose of toxic noxious weeds to prevent accidental exposure and poisoning. Poisonous plants left on site could harm people as well as animals that may feed on the dead plants. Wear protective clothing and eye protection to prevent accidental exposure and do not compost or put in yard waste.

If you have any questions about noxious weed disposal or how to identify toxic weeds, please call Wahkiakum county Noxious Weed Control Coordinator Andy Lea at 360-795-3852.