Newtown Conservation Commission (NCC) in association with Newtown Public Works is proud to announce the Invasive Plant Bin is back at the Transfer Station with signage showing plants to be placed in the large container.

Newtown is again taking the lead on this important initiative, according to NCC Chairman Holly Kocet. The success of this pilot program depends on making sure only invasive plants find their way into the bin.

The Public Works Department secured Bridgeport’s Waste-to-Energy facility for this initiative. They are the single location accepting invasive plant material which must be kept separate from household garbage.

As with all materials taken to the transfer station, the Invasive Bin is only available to Newtown residents with a transfer station permit, free of charge.

Correctly identifying and controlling invasive plants is key. The concern is for invasive spread of plants with berries whose seeds can germinate in compost and brush piles. These include many shrubs: burning bush, autumn olive, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, and vines: porcelain berry, Asiatic bittersweet, and mile-a-minute.

These plants should only be placed in the Invasive Bin and not the brush pile.

Additionally, Japanese knotweed: while cutting is not recommended until stalks are treated, browned and dry, knotweed stalks brought to Transfer Station must also be placed in the Invasive Bin and not the brush pile.

Newtown’s transfer station is on Ethan Allen Road. Hours for those with permits are Tuesday through Saturday, 7 am-3 pm.

For more information on invasive plants, go to newtownconservation.org.