I was told that if I put rhubarb leaves in my compost I will be adding toxins to the soil, is that right?

Question

I was told that if I put rhubarb leaves in my compost I will be adding toxins to the soil, is that right?

Answer 1

I don't know of anyone who eats "cooking" compost but that is the only thing that could keep you from putting rhubarb leaves in it.  The toxin in rhubarb leaves is oxalic acid and it decomposes and pH balances rapidly in compost.  No threat to soil whatsoever.

Answer 2

http://www.composting.com

http://www.compost.com

http://www.recyclingprogram.com

                            good  luck,..  bye,..,

Answer 3

It is just a toxic amt of oxalic acid, which is found in many other foods. Mix rhubarb into your compost won't be toxic & it won't stop composting either. I've always chucked mine right in the pile.

Answer 4

I've heard that rhubarb leaves are toxic while the stems are not but I it's only for human consumption purposes.  

This weblink should help!  It talks about how the toxins break down in the compost and don't affect it.