Mycotoxin - Ask Extension
Our dog is currently in the ICU for mycotoxin poisoning. I am trying to figure out how to safely dispose of the compost in our backyard that is contam...
Knowledgebase
Mycotoxin #900570
Asked May 08, 2025, 9:19 AM EDT
Our dog is currently in the ICU for mycotoxin poisoning. I am trying to figure out how to safely dispose of the compost in our backyard that is contaminated. thank you!
Cook County Illinois
Expert Response
Hello Grace,
I'm curious, is your compost covered or in some kind of container? Also, does it get mixed regularly? The reason I ask is because mycotoxins are generally associated with fungi that grow on grains or legumes, not your standard soil-borne fungi. The review article linked below commented on the lack of data on mycotoxin fate in soils, but still estimates the half-life of most mycotoxins to be on the order of days.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S<personal data hidden>75033
I'm wondering if there were some grains or legumes that got left on top of the pile, were colonized by a mycotoxin-producing fungus, and that is what was eaten by your dog.
In other words, I don't know that the compost is actually contaminated, per se. It might have just been a specific decomposing food within the compost that had high levels of mycotoxins, but as the compost is "finished", or in other words, the food waste is fully decomposed, the mycotoxins would also be broken down through natural chemical processes and/or metabolized by bacteria, other fungi, or other soil-borne organisms.
Regarding the disposal, in case that is still the route you would like to pursue, I have sent a couple messages to colleagues in Cook County to see if they have suggestions for local places you could take it. I will reply in this thread when I hear back from them.
Regards,
Talon Becker
Illinois Extension
I'm curious, is your compost covered or in some kind of container? Also, does it get mixed regularly? The reason I ask is because mycotoxins are generally associated with fungi that grow on grains or legumes, not your standard soil-borne fungi. The review article linked below commented on the lack of data on mycotoxin fate in soils, but still estimates the half-life of most mycotoxins to be on the order of days.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S<personal data hidden>75033
I'm wondering if there were some grains or legumes that got left on top of the pile, were colonized by a mycotoxin-producing fungus, and that is what was eaten by your dog.
In other words, I don't know that the compost is actually contaminated, per se. It might have just been a specific decomposing food within the compost that had high levels of mycotoxins, but as the compost is "finished", or in other words, the food waste is fully decomposed, the mycotoxins would also be broken down through natural chemical processes and/or metabolized by bacteria, other fungi, or other soil-borne organisms.
Regarding the disposal, in case that is still the route you would like to pursue, I have sent a couple messages to colleagues in Cook County to see if they have suggestions for local places you could take it. I will reply in this thread when I hear back from them.
Regards,
Talon Becker
Illinois Extension
