Invasive weeds should go to the landfill or yard waste composting facility

MADISON - It’s that time of year when many property owners are hard at work trying to eliminate invasive weeds like garlic mustard and purple loosestrife from their fields and yards. The problem they run up against is how to dispose of them once they are pulled up.

Although backyard composting is normally the preferred method for dealing with yard waste, backyard compost piles and bins do not reliably generate enough heat for a long enough period of time to destroy weed seeds.

To ensure that the invasive weeds are destroyed and the seeds not redistributed, the Department of Natural Resources Endangered Resources Program and Waste Management Program are asking property owners to separate and bag any invasive plants in clear bags and label the bags “invasive plants - please landfill.” Groups removing invasive weeds from public properties like parks should make arrangements with their local public works office for collection and disposal.

“Even though landfilling of yard waste is prohibited in Wisconsin, the DNR is using its enforcement discretion to allow invasive plants to be landfilled because that represents the best available option for disposing of them,” said Cynthia Moore, DNR Recycling Team Leader. “We don’t recommend composting invasive plants and their seeds because of the likelihood that viable plants and seeds will be spread through the distribution of the finished compost. Only specially designed and carefully managed composting operations should accept invasive plants”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gretchen Wheat - (608) 267-0557

Letter that DNR sent to landfill operators regarding Disposal Alternatives for Invasive Weed Management(Word). Landowners can use this to show to their haulers in case their garlic mustard doesn't get picked up.