Castor Bean fall disposal or compost - Ask Extension
I have several Castor bean plants. How do I dispose of them in the fall?
I have my own black plastic compost bins, and also use a yard waste container...
Knowledgebase
Castor Bean fall disposal or compost #367057
Asked October 01, 2016, 10:33 AM EDT
I have several Castor bean plants. How do I dispose of them in the fall?
I have my own black plastic compost bins, and also use a yard waste container with my trash hauler Walters. I noticed several of these plants at the arboretum. How do they dispose of them?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The seeds of the castor bean have the most toxin. The leaves have some but not nearly as much as the seeds. The plant should be composted with the municipal compost. The municipal composting process is monitored and the compost gets very hot. If there are any castor beans seeds soak them in bleach until they dissolve. One can call the Arb and ask the help desk what they do with castor bean plants. I am sorry I don't have that information, I don't work with anyone at the Arb.
