Ivy composting?

steamdave

I'm inundated with ivy. If I dig it/pull it up, will it break down on the compost heap, along with all the other unwanted plants (weeds!)? If not what is a good way to dispose of it. I don't have a trailer, so taking it to the recycling is a non starter.

Dave

Calahonda52

wont break down, have u a compost bin from bin collector

looksee

No, don't put it on the compost heap. Have you somewhere you could leave it in a loose heap and let it dry out, then just put a match to it, will be gone in a couple of minutes.

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123225283#Comment_123225283

indeed

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/environment/waste-and-recycling/burning-household-waste/

Burning waste in your home or garden is illegal,

The Continental Op

There are always a few excuses for a good bonfire ;-)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonfire_Night

magicbastarder

i've put ivy in the compost bin many times. it breaks down. it's starved of light in there.

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123225407#Comment_123225407

There's Ivy then there's Ivy. Recent seedling growth is fine in the compost bin but I've Ivy with inch or more thick woody stems and they won't break down unless I chip it. Ivy leaves and 1-2 yo stems probably alright on the compost heap but older stuff needs chipping or burning.

looksee

Yes, I knew I would get told off for suggesting burning. If you have ever seen ivy burn you would know it goes up very hot, very fast. You would do more damage with a barbeque. Still, in the interests of environmental perception I will say, no, don't burn it, send it to landfill, out of sight etc.

magicbastarder

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123225442#Comment_123225442

Ah yeah, I wouldn't put something that thick in the compost bin.

baxterooneydoody

Are You in the countryside, If you are it's beneficial to cattle if you were near a field with cattle throw it in over the wall and it'll be gone the day after, they go mad for it

Day Lewin

Ivy is one of the few things I don't put into my compost bins. I have a mature, reliable set-up with a Dalek, a "half-done" bin and a Ready-for-use bin. (bunkers with breeze-blocks) - plus one with grass-clippings.

But Ivy has these leathery leaves that take years to break down. They turn black and sulky! I have a "slow, cold pile" in a hidden corner where very slow-decaying things are put. Some ivy, baskets, leaves of some trees, paper shreddings, roots, even pieces of torn cotton and linen.

After a few years, the base layers are turned into fine brown soil. But it takes a long time.

Usually I put bigger amounts of ivy into the "brown bin" for kerbside collection. And I'm one that is willing to compost almost anything!

looksee

I do indeed have cattle over the wall, but I would not chuck stuff into the field for the cattle to eat, not my business to do it.

Idbatterim

I often just let the lower at the ivy , just shred it all up that way...

steamdave

No compost bin. No bonfire, but perhaps 'spontaneous combustion'!

I don't have any wheelie bins - I take my packaging to the local Bring Site and all food waste is composted in a rotary composter.

Thanks for some ideas.

Dave

10-10-20

If you have a relatively small amount then leave it out on a patio or path to dry out and die off. Works especially well in full sun. Turn it over a few times to dry from all sides. Should be dead and ready for the heap in a few weeks.