Pulling out invasive weeds? Don't put them in the compost bin

Knotweed. Giant hogweed. Blessed milk thistle. These are just some of thedreaded plant species the Capital Regional District is trying to eradicate.

But if you're cleaning up youryard this spring and come across one of these invasive weeds, officials say you shouldavoid putting them in your compost bin.

The heat involved in the compost process is not enough to kill the seeds of invasive plants, said Glenn Harris, senior manager of environmental protection for the Capital Regional District.

As a result, invasive plants can spread when the compost material is reused elsewhere.

• Invasive Japanese knotweed takes root in Burnaby

"They go from isolated spots, to next thing you know they are being distributed through various pathways, and all of a sudden they are starting to be a real issue," Harris said.

Invasive plants are a concern because they pose an environmental and economic risk to local ecosystems. They can displace native species and disrupt infrastructure.

'Trying to raise awareness'

Rules on what goes into compost areset by local bylaws.

When it comes to invasive species, municipalities look to a provincial list of weeds of concern, Harris said.

The CRD voted Wednesday to ask theprovince to update its list to add new regional invasive plants.

"We are trying to raise awareness about which species are a concern and then what is the proper disposal method," Harris said.

• Click here for theB.C. government's list of invasive terrestrial plants

Work to determine how many invasive weeds end up in with the compost is in the early stages, he said.

Gardeners who think they have pulled one from their yard should put it in a bagand take it to the Hartland Landfill for proper disposal.

• Report giant hogweed, Nature Conservancy urges about toxic species

The CRD has also started distributing alert sheets to help people identify invasive species in their yard.