How to Dispose of Black Walnuts

Overview

Black walnuts add a nice flavor and texture to many cooked foods including cookies and breads. They are even delicious when eaten raw. However, the shells contain a substance called juglone, which is toxic for many plants, including tomatoes and rhododendrons. For this reason, black walnuts should not be composted. Instead, dispose of them in a different manner.

Step 1

Wear gloves or use tongs when handling black walnuts. The liquid from the nuts will stain your hands, which are difficult to remove.

Step 2

Gather the walnuts from the ground when they drop. They usually will drop for about 6 to 8 weeks beginning in the late summer. Place the nuts in buckets to be transferred later or put them directly into garbage bags.

Step 3

Bag up the black walnuts, preferably into paper bags, which will decompose along with the nuts.

Step 4

Throw them out with your regular trash or take them to a local dump that has a yard waste-dumping area.