Hi ck -
That is my understanding is that if you do get a good and hot (proper) compost pile going, the oil will be rendered harmless / break down. I have only found one good reference to this and most references about composting are more the doom-and-gloom type without any good science. Of course, I've been one of those doom-and-gloomers as well - oh well... I'll try to change that tune. But I do realize that many people are not as fastidious about their compost piles as they should be (me included) and I'd be leary of composting poison ivy / oak / sumac unless absolutely sure that the pile is good and hot.
Here's my response with links to another inquiry about composting a pile of poison oak vines: Mulch it? |