Japanese Knotweed Disposal Program

PILOT JAPANESE KNOTWEED DISPOSAL PLAN

The Environmental Sustainability Committee and the Transfer Station Action Committee, with the assistance of the Carlisle Department of Public Works and the Carlisle Fire Department, is implementing a pilot Japanese Knotweed Disposal Plan for the residents of Carlisle.

Japanese knotweed is a prolific invasive plant found throughout Carlisle. In addition to displacing native plant species and degrading the soil, it can cause damage to septic systems, roads and foundations. It easily spreads through underground rhizomes and stem fragments. 

Please visit the Japanese Knotweed section on the ESC website for information on how to identify and properly remove and combat Japanese knotweed.

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE DISPOSAL PLAN

On the specified dates and times, residents are welcome to bring a load of Japanese knotweed for disposal at the Transfer Station. During the collection times, a dedicated dumpster will be available by the salt shed behind the regular trash collection area of the Transfer Station in which residents can dispose of the Japanese knotweed.

The disposal will be monitored by knowledgeable volunteers to ensure only Japanese knotweed is placed in the dumpster.

 Please note that at the end of each scheduled collection day, the dumpster will be removed and no Japanese knotweed will be accepted until the following scheduled time.

 After the last scheduled collection day, the dumpster will be  removed and Japanese knotweed will no longer be accepted at the Transfer Station.

 At a later date, the Japanese knotweed collected in the dumpster will be disposed of by burning.

HELPFUL GUIDELINES 

 To help ensure the success of this pilot disposal plan and to help prevent further spread of Japanese knotweed, we kindly ask that you observe these guidelines:  

Due to its prolific nature and ease of spread, Japanese knotweed should never be placed in the Transfer Station yard waste chip pile.

• This disposal method is exclusively for Carlisle residents
• A valid Transfer Station sticker is required
• Japanese knotweed can only be accepted at the Transfer Station on the specified dates and times
• Loads containing knotweed mixed with other yard waste cannot be accepted
• Loads with chipped or bagged Japanese knotweed will not be accepted
• No other invasive plants will be accepted at this time
• There is a maximum limit of of 5 cubic yards per household per visit (approximately a pickup truck’s worth)   
• It is important that no Japanese knotweed be left at the Transfer Station outside the designated collection times

 PREPARING FOR TRANSPORT TO THE TRANSFER STATION

The following guidelines can help facilitate an efficient disposal process and can help prevent unintended spread of Japanese knotweed:

• Please cut the Japanese knotweed in lengths greater than 24”. Mowing, weed-whacking or chipping it should be avoided since doing so can inadvertently contribute to its spread 
• When loading your pickup or small trailer, it is helpful to place all cuttings facing the same direction, with the wider portion of the stem placed closest to the tailgate. This will make unloading at the Transfer Station easier and quicker for everyone    
• Please ensure that your load does not exceed the height of the truck or trailer bed. Spillage of cuttings during transport can result in further spread of the invasive
• Securing a tarp over the cuttings to ensure that no cuttings fly off during transport is highly recommended
• Please do not bag the Japanese knotweed or mix it with other yard waste or other invasive species 

 Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in following the procedure. Your participation is invaluable in the assessment and determination of whether this plan is a viable long-term solution for addressing Japanese knotweed disposal in our community.