EARLVILLE – If you happen to receive an unsolicited mailer containing a packet of seeds in the mail, authorities urge you to not plant them. The Earlville Police Department Thursday announced they had a resident contact them who had received an envelope with instructions and seeds. They say this has happened in other locations across the country, and many of the packets contain plants banned in the USA.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture have released instructions on what to do if you receive unsolicited seeds in the mail. They say following the steps will destroy the seeds while minimizing risks to the environment and agriculture.
1. Do not open the seed packet.
2. Using duct tape, completely cover the packet from all sides with tape sealing the edges.
3. Place seed packet in small sandwich size zip-lock bag (remove any air pockets)
4. Place again inside another sandwich size zip-lock bag (double bag removing air)
5. Fold over to reduce size.
6. Using duct tape, completely cover the folded over bag from all sides with tape. This will help prevent the bag from bursting as it travels through the disposal system. It minimizes risk by preventing bag breakage, and preventing water and sun reaching the seeds.
7. Discard in trash.
They also say if you have already planted the seeds and now have plants, you should dig them up, double bag, and dispose of in the trash.
