Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
B.
PESTICIDE DISPOSAL
Pesticide users are responsible for properly dealing with empty pesticide
containers, excess usable pesticides, and waste materials that contain pesticides
or their residues. There is growing concern about the serious harm to humans
and the environment that improper disposal of pesticide wastes can cause. For
information on disposal options available in your local area, contact your
State or tribal pesticide authority.
1.
Excess Pesticides
The best solution to the problem of what to do with excess pesticides is
to take steps to avoid having them:
•
Buy only the amount needed for a year or a season.
•
Calculate carefully how much diluted pesticide is needed for a job and
mix only that amount.
•
Use all the mixed pesticide in accordance with labeling instructions.
If you have excess pesticides that are usable, first try to find a way to use
them as directed on the label. The best option is to apply the pesticide
on a
site listed in the use directions on the pesticide labeling, under the following
conditions:
•
The total amount of pesticide active ingredient applied to the site, in-
cluding all previous applications, must not exceed the rate and fre-
quency allowed on the labeling.
•
You must comply with other application instructions specified on the
labeling.
If you have pesticide products in their original containers that you cannot
use, you may be able to find another pesticide handler who can. Or you may
be able to return them to a dealer, formulator, or manufacturer.
Most container rinsates should not become excess pesticides, because they
can be added into the tank during the mixing process. You also may be able
to add some rinsates from equipment cleaning, spill cleanup, and other activi-
ties to a tank mixture that contains the same pesticide, as long as doing so
will not violate labeling instructions. Some rinsates will contain dirt, clean-
ing agents, or other substances that will make them unusable, however.
