Disposal of Invasive Plants

No invasive species management effort is complete without properly completing disposal. Every invasive species has a recommended disposal procedure which may vary based on site conditions, time of year, and life stage. For more information on species specific disposal, visit our invasive species profiles or reach out to the Prince Edward Island Invasive Species Council (PEIISC) directly.

Formal disposal, applicable for any invasive species material:

  • After removing invasive plants, collect the material in an accessible location.
    • If possible without promoting spread, material can be dried. This will reduce weight, and thus reduce disposal cost and reduce the intensity of labour involved. If the species is able to reroot, materials set to dry MUST be placed on an impervious surface or the pile must be turned regularly to ensure complete drying.
  • Bag invasive plant material in clear plastic bags.
  • Seal the bags.
  • Mark the bags with “INVASIVE SPECIES” in dark permanent marker.
  • To get the material to the Island Waste Management Company (IWMC), you have a few options.
    • 1. Residential waste collection
      • Place the labelled bags in your black waste cart (NEVER in the green compost bin, this can promote the spread of the invasive later on).
      • You can place up to two additional bags beside the cart for collection if your cart is full.
      • If waste handlers do not pick up the material, call IWMC to let them know. They will send someone out to correct the mistake. Not all waste collectors are familiar with these regulations.
    • 2. Direct drop off to IWMC disposal depot
      • Head to any waste watch disposal site.
      • Inform the scale attendant that you have invasive species when you arrive.
      • Employees will direct you to the proper area or come collect the material from you directly.
      • When leaving, speak to the scale attendant and pay the associated disposal fee, usually around 5-15$ per truckload based on weight.
    • 3. Large loads direct to the PEI Energy Systems incinerator on Riverside Dr. in Charlottetown.
      • Businesses and residents disposing of the loads greater that what would fit in a half-tonne truck require a permit (Special Waste Permit) from the Department of Environment (1-866-368-5044). After receiving the permit, businesses and residents will be directed to an appropriate final disposal facility. Please note that only the loads for which permits have been issued will be accepted at those facilities.
      • Alternatively, split the load into smaller loads to avoid the need for permitting.
      • The need for a permit comes from the large potential environmental impact a release of such a large amount of invasive species material could cause to ensure safe disposal and operator awareness.
      • When you arrive at the incinerator, show the scale attendant your permit. They will want the permit number, which they will reference in their system.
      • Drop off the material as directed, and pay the associated fee based on weight at the scales when leaving.
  • Formal disposal is required when:
    • Plants have seeds/fruits attached.
    • Plants can reroot when in contact with soil and/or water.
    • Material may be disturbed and distributed by wind, water, animals, or people.
    • Material causes a hazard.
    • You are unsure whether formal disposal is required (better safe than sorry!)

Can I burn invasive plant material to dispose of it?

If conditions and local legislation allow for safe burning of invasive plant material, this can be undertaken at your own risk. Ensure that you check with provincial authorities by either reaching out directly or by checking the burning restrictions map here: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/feature/burning-restrictions/#/service/FireRestrictions/FireRestrictions. Depending on the nature of the burn, you may also require a burn permit from the PEI Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action (Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division) before proceeding. Check regulations before burning and seek a permit if necessary. For more information, visit the following webpage: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/burning-permits

You can burn if:

  • It is safe to do so.
  • All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure a controlled burn.
  • You have all necessary permissions and permits, and the burn is conducted in accordance with the law.
  • Material is free from seeds. Seeds can be removed and the remainder of the material burned while formally disposing of seeds.

When you should not burn:

  • When plants are have seed attached, as burn temperatures may not kill off seeds. Seeds can be removed and the remainder of the material burned while formally disposing of seeds.
  • When dry conditions make it unsafe to do so.
  • When material is too wet to be burnt.
  • When provinicial fire bans are in place.
  • When any other conditions exist that would otherwise make the burn unsafe.

Why shouldn’t I dump invasive plant material into a natural area?

When invasive plant material is dumped into a natural area, it may have the opportunity to re-establish and spread. Many plants can re-root after being dug up or can regenerate from fragments, and introducing these can increase competition for native species, disrupt ecosystem integrity, or spread pests/disease that may be found on your property but not in the environment around a garden dump site. Many plants will produce seed as a stress response after being dug up, which can also facilitate spread. Don’t make your invasive species someone else’s issue! This is one of the primary ways invasive species are introduced to new areas on PEI.

Why shouldn’t I put invasive plants in the green compost bin?

When invasive species are disposed of in the compost bin, the material can spread during compost processing, as the composting process is not guaranteed to kill all seeds and plant parts. If the material remains viable after distribution, the invasive plants may spread wherever the compost is used. Invasive plant material that is not reproductively capable (cannot resprout, has no seeds) can be safely composted by individuals using do-it-yourself processes at home, but should still not be disposed of in IWMC compost bins.

Can I leave non-viable invasive plant material to decompose on site?

If you are sure it is non-viable (cannot reproduce), then yes! If you are unsure of the plant material’s viability, reach out to the PEIISC to confirm. While awaiting direction leave the materials on an impervious surface (tarp, concrete pad) in a safe place where the material will not be disturbed. This will prevent the material from coming in contact with soil, where it could potentially re-root (depending on the species and conditions). If the material has seeds, or can re-root, formal disposal is required. Thus, management before seed production is recommended for most invasive plant species.

For disposal inquires, contact: peiinvasives@gmail.com

For information direct from IWMC, visit their online sorting guide: https://iwmc.pe.ca/sort/ and search for “invasive species”