Poison Ivy in Compost - Ask Extension
Is composting poison ivy a good idea? The reason I ask is that I am allergic to the stuff, but have a grass catcher on my mower, so I would not conta...
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Poison Ivy in Compost #145096
Asked August 04, 2013, 9:40 AM EDT
Is composting poison ivy a good idea? The reason I ask is that I am allergic to the stuff, but have a grass catcher on my mower, so I would not contact the clippings. But should I avoid composting because the plant oils in the final product would back into my garden, and maybe even (in trace amounts) in the next year's crop?
Boone County Arkansas
Expert Response
Eradicating poison ivy can be a real challenge, especially for people who are allergic or highly sensitive. I did some research and was unable to find anything definitive about the degree to which composting would break down the oily toxin in poison ivy (urushiol). Some are of the opinion, and I agree, that it would be more likely to break down completely in a large-scale commercial composting operation than in a home compost pile. Most home compost piles do not achieve the consistently high temperatures that commercial operations do, nor do they get same degree of turning, mixing, aeration, and so on, that accelerate decomposition. Do you know whether your county or region has a commercial composting facility?
Because the oil is easily spread, I would not recommend mowing or shredding it. You probably already know this, but you should definitely not burn it. Even if you are not actually touching the plant when you are mowing it, the process of mowing it may actually release more of the toxin, which will get on parts of your mower including the bag. Since you are allergic, this could present problems.
Your idea is good, and there aren't many materials that I would discourage from composting, but this is one. I just wouldn't risk it.
Here is an article from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service that provides some guidance on eradication. You should feel free to contact your local Extension office for advice or clarification. Needless to say, you should plan your attack carefully and wear protective clothing or gear if you are going to do it yourself!
http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/Poison_Ivy.htm
Because the oil is easily spread, I would not recommend mowing or shredding it. You probably already know this, but you should definitely not burn it. Even if you are not actually touching the plant when you are mowing it, the process of mowing it may actually release more of the toxin, which will get on parts of your mower including the bag. Since you are allergic, this could present problems.
Your idea is good, and there aren't many materials that I would discourage from composting, but this is one. I just wouldn't risk it.
Here is an article from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service that provides some guidance on eradication. You should feel free to contact your local Extension office for advice or clarification. Needless to say, you should plan your attack carefully and wear protective clothing or gear if you are going to do it yourself!
http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/Poison_Ivy.htm