Weeds have a sneaky way of sticking around—even when they look dead! They can regrow from seeds, stems, roots, or even tiny fragments.

Why are they a problem?

• Fragments regrow – especially ground covers like tradescantia (wandering willie).
• They’re unsightly, take up space and may create a fire hazard.
• Dumped piles spread weeds to nearby gardens, parks and reserves.

The best approach? Dispose of weeds properly to stop them from making a comeback.

Do the right thing

• Take garden waste to an approved landfill to prevent weeds from spreading.Some weed seeds can survive home composting, double check if your compost will get hot enough.
• Compost with caution—some weeds and seeds survive typical home compost conditions.
• Cover your load during transport with a tarpaulin so seeds and plant fragments don’t escape.
• Never dump plant waste on public land, especially near reserves or bush areas.
• Need help? Ask your local council for help when locating the best disposal site.

A few simple actions can protect our environment. Let’s keep biodiversity thriving!

Plan ahead

Before tackling a large area of weeds, plan ahead! Choosing the right disposal method early on will prevent unwanted regrowth and keep your hard work from going to waste.

Weeds that regrow from fragments

Some weeds don’t give up easily—they can sprout from even the smallest leftover piece. Be extra cautious with vines and ground covers like old man’s beard, African club moss, and blue morning glory . Collect and remove every last fragment to stop them from coming back.

Safe disposal options

Have a big weed-clearing project coming up? These simple steps will make it easier to manage.

• In warmer climates: Spread the weed waste out on a hard surface (e.g concrete) to dry completely in the sun. Once dried, compost or dispose of them.
• In cooler climates: Place the weed waste into sealed bags or containers with water. Let it rot down completely before disposal.

Weeds with tubers, corms or rhizomes

Some weeds refuse to go down without a fight like montbretia and mignonette vine —these plants can easily re-grow again from corms/tubers (enlarged structures that store nutrients).

Best practice:Montbretia corms (credit: Trevor James)

• Avoid composting corms or tubers - they often survive in home compost because it isn’t hot enough.
• Separate the problem parts—tubers, rhizomes (underground stems), berries, and fruit should go into a general waste bin or be disposed of at an appropriate landfill. Other parts of the plant can be composted safely.
• In dry regions, hang rhizomes or tubers in trees to wither completely, then burn them or take them to landfill.

A special note on climbing asparagus

This invasive species has tubers, but they don’t re-grow! The real trouble comes from its top crown (just below the stem). Make sure you remove and dispose of it carefully to prevent regrowth.

Weeds with lots of seeds, berries or persistent roots

Some weeds are built for survival. Before composting or burying these persistent plants, make sure to remove any parts that could regrow such as seeds, berries, tubers and roots.

Boost your breakdown process

• Use a garden mulcher to shred plant waste – this speeds up decomposition, helping nutrients to return to the soil faster.
• Heat kills regrowth – a hot compost pile is key.
• Maintain a good balanced compost - to keep microorganisms happy.
  • A rough rule of thumb is 40% greens and 60% browns.
    • Greens = soft leafy material (grass, vege scraps)
    • Browns = dry woody material (hedge clippings, shredded cardboard)

By taking these steps, you’re not just clearing unwanted plants—you’re turning them into valuable organic material while keeping your garden weed-free!

Remember that some plants are legally restricted and must not be moved, shared or planted elsewhere. Always check the plant’s status and follow safe handling rules when removing.