Residents of Salt Spring Island have two opportunities in May 2026 to dispose of woody invasive plants during upcoming drop-off events hosted by Transition Salt Spring. The events aim to help property owners clear fire-prone vegetation, continuing a 15-year community tradition organized in partnership with the Salt Spring Island Conservancy and the SSI Garden Club.
The collection days will take place on Saturday, May 16, at the Community Gospel Chapel and Sunday, May 31, at Fulford Hall. Both events run from 10 am to 3 pm. Residents are invited to drop off woody invasive species, specifically gorse, broom, holly, blackberry, daphne, and woody ivy stems.
Officials note that the service is intended for residential use only and cannot accept commercial loads. Soft tissue plants, giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, and any plant roots are prohibited from the drop-off, as dirt and rocks found in root systems can damage the chipping equipment used to process the materials.
Fees for the service are based on the size of the load and must be paid in cash. Costs range from $5 to $20 for a car trunk, $20 to $40 for a truck, and $50 to $200 for larger vehicles.
Removing these plants is considered a priority for fire safety on the island. Species such as gorse and broom contain volatile oils that make them highly flammable and effective at spreading wildfires, creating conditions that are difficult for firefighters to manage. Beyond the immediate fire risk, these invasive plants outcompete native vegetation, with at least 175 exotic plant species having already escaped into local forests. Management is a long-term challenge; for example, gorse plants can live up to 45 years and produce thousands of seeds that remain viable in the soil for as long as 50 years.
