Don’t Dump It: Here’s How to Properly Dispose of Pesticides
Getting rid of your unused pesticides or pesticide containers takes time and proper steps. As such, it can take awhile to get to the top of your to-do list.
“Pesticide disposal is one of those inconvenient tasks that often takes a back seat to the urgent items in our daily workloads,” writes Sam Polly, University of Missouri Extension specialist.”
When you’re ready to tackle the task, Poly provides these tips for managing and disposing of pesticide products:
- Read the label, determine how much you need now, and buy close to that amount. Less volume equals less risk of disposal, release or exposure.
- Label containers with date of purchase using indelible pen to track product age.
- Mix only enough for the job.
- If you end a job with leftover mix in the tank, ask neighbors if they have a similar pest to treat.
- NEVER reuse pesticide containers.
- Triple rinse, puncture, and dispose of empty containers in the trash. Triple rinse means fill container ¼ full of water, tightly close lid, shake, then empty contents into the spray tank and count 30 seconds to completely drain, then repeat two more times. Be sure to wear the required PPE.
When You Have Leftover Pesticides
Sometimes you inadvertently run out of area to spray, or the season ends, leaving you with excess chemical. Or you’ve switched technology, so last season’s products are obsolete.
“Whatever the reason you find excess pesticides in stock, store them in an impermeable secondary container in a locked location,” Polly suggests. “Follow all disposal instructions on the pesticide label. Do not dump down a drain, gutter, toilet or on the ground!”
In many states, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds free annual collection events. A few helpful tips:
- Never transport chemicals in the cab of your vehicle.
- Transport in an impermeable container with padding to prevent shifting.
At the recent event in Chillicothe, Mo., Polly says 15,441 lb. of waste pesticides were collected. This included old containers of long-banned products such as lead arsenate, aldrin, toxaphene, and dieldrin.
If there’s not an upcoming collection event, contact your local waste management authority to determine if they can take the material.
