SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-plants-trash-not-compost

How should you get rid of unwanted aquarium plants?

Seal them in a plastic bag and put them in the trash.

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  1. Toss them in the compost pile
  2. Drop them in a pond to keep growing
  3. Seal them in a plastic bag in the trash ✔

Why: Pennsylvania Sea Grant says to seal aquatic plants in plastic bags and put them in the trash. Do not compost them, because seeds and plant pieces may spread.

Huh, didn't know that: Pennsylvania Sea Grant says aquarium plants like Hydrilla and Brazilian waterweed are already loose in Pennsylvania waters.

The dad joke
What did the aquarium plant say to the trash bag? Seal you later!
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References

Answer: Seal them in a plastic bag in the trash. Pennsylvania Sea Grant says to seal aquatic plants in plastic bags and put them in the trash. Do not compost them, because seeds and plant pieces may spread.

  1. Pennsylvania Sea Grant: Tips for Aquarium Owners (AIS prevention) seagrant.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aquarium-Owner-AIS-Prevention-Tip-Sheet-PASG-112124.pdf
    Seal aquatic plants in plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Pennsylvania Sea Grant: Tips for Aquarium Owners (AIS prevention) seagrant.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aquarium-Owner-AIS-Prevention-Tip-Sheet-PASG-112124.pdf
    These materials should not be composted because their seeds and other plant parts may spread.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. Pennsylvania Sea Grant: Tips for Aquarium Owners (AIS prevention) seagrant.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aquarium-Owner-AIS-Prevention-Tip-Sheet-PASG-112124.pdf
    Disposal of live organisms should be considered as the last resort.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  4. Pennsylvania Sea Grant: Tips for Aquarium Owners (AIS prevention) seagrant.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aquarium-Owner-AIS-Prevention-Tip-Sheet-PASG-112124.pdf
    aquarium plants like Hydrilla and Brazilian waterweed have already made their way into Pennsylvania waters.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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