All parts of the castor bean plant are poisonous. The University of California Cooperative Extension recommends that you not use poisonous plants such as the castor bean for garden mulch or compost, while the Chattanooga Audubon Society asserts that small amounts may be incorporated in a larger compost pile.

How do you dispose of a castor bean plant?

Removing castor bean plants from your yard involves destroying the entire plant while taking precautions to keep yourself safe during the process. Destroying the plants can be best accomplished by boiling the entire plant for an extended period to break down the toxins into harmless compounds.

What do you do with castor beans?

Since the toxin does not occur in the pure oil, castor oil can be consumed and has been used medicinally as a remedy for everything from constipation to heartburn. It is an effective cathartic or purgative (laxative) and can be used externally as an emollient for dry skin. Castor bean is often grown as an ornamental.