Disposing of Noxious Weeds
Disposal of Noxious Weeds
Check out our brochure on disposing of your noxious weeds!
This two page brochure is also available as a hard copy. To request copies, click here.
Disposing of your noxious weeds is an important step in noxious weed control. This step can vary depending on what county you live in.
View disposal and contact information by county here.
Note: this list is provided as courtesy and may not represent the most current information. Please check with your local county noxious weed control board or the Solid Waste program for your area for further details.
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.
Noxious weeds that have been treated with herbicide may be left in place with some exceptions (such as toxic plants in pastures with horses or other livestock as herbicide treatment may make them more palatable).
Woody materials that do not have seeds and do not spread vegetatively can be controlled by pulling or cutting and:
- leaving them on site roots exposed.
- making a brush pile.
- chipping.
- burning.
If seeds are present, leave on site and pile and cover with a tarp or burn and monitor the area for new plants.
Herbaceous material that does not include seeds and does not spread vegetatively can be:
- Composted.
- Pulled and bagged.
- Pulled or cut and left to dry on site with roots exposed.
For large amounts, plant material can be pulled or cut and piled, tarped, and monitored.
Toxic, noxious weeds must be handled carefully. Wear protective clothing and eye protection to prevent accidental exposure. Do not compost or put in yard waste. It is best to dispose of these weeds to prevent poisoning or people or animals.
Composting: 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 and do not spread vegetatively. Some city compost facilities may be hot enough to kill noxious weed material. Contact your local county noxious weed control board or waste management program to see if this option is available.
