Good topic, Dennis. I am guilty of occasionally tossing out non-natives before their time is up, so to speak. But generally, I strive not to do that. Non native trimmings, etc, usually end up in the household garbage balled up with all the house junk, usually in a double plastic bag type set up. If plants are useable, I try to find a 'home' for them, either via trade-in at the lfs, or by placing an ad in the 'for sale' forum for someone to hopefully enjoy.
As far as excess water from water changes, I typically siphon out my water into 5 gal buckets which them are dumped on house plants or garden plants. I can't see any ecologically negative impact from this.
Here in Florida, where everything tropical seems to grow whether it's native or not, non-native inavasions are a real issue. From Hydrilla choked waterways to a variety of non-native fish, especially in S. Florida, it's definitely something all folks in the hobby should be aware of, imo. |