While composting is a great way to reuse organic matter and convert it into nutrient-rich soil, not all organic materials are suitable for composting, especially when it comes to invasive species.
When we discuss invasive species removal, “do not compost” is one of the first things we tell people.
So why is composting invasive species so problematic in the Sea to Sky?
Unfortunately, composting invasive species can inadvertently aid their spread.
Invasive species are incredibly resilient and can survive in various conditions (that’s how they got established here in the first place!). There is limited research on the effects of composting of invasives, but studies show that some composting methods might not necessarily kill the seeds, roots, or fragments of invasive species. What’s more, no studies have been conducted in South Coast BC, so there are many concerns on the efficacy of composting invasive species.
When measuring whether invasive plants can survive the composting process, considerations include temperature, time, turning frequency, moisture content, etc.
As a result, we advocate for limiting the risk of invasive plant spread by placing all invasive plant waste in the garbage, not the compost.
What should you do instead?
- Invasive plant material should always go in the garbage or be taken to the landfill.
- Make sure the invasive plant material is bagged to prevent spread during transport to designated disposal sites.
Check out our disposal recommendations to learn more.
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