Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the pesticide labeling or by state, tribal, or local authorities. Mark the con-
tainers to show that they have been rinsed.
e.
Unrinsed Containers
To dispose of unrinsed containers, you may take them to an incinerator or
landfill operating under EPA, state, or tribal permit for hazardous waste dis-
posal. If this is not possible, check with your state, tribal, or local authori-
ties to find out what to do. Otherwise, you may have to pay a disposal com-
pany to accept them for proper disposal, or you may need to store the contain-
ers until you have a way to dispose of them.
f.
Burnable Containers
The labeling of some paper, cardboard, and plastic containers may list
"burning, if allowed by State and local authorities" as a disposal option for
pesticide containers. However, open burning of pesticide containers and waste
pesticides is a questionable practice and may be in violation of Federal regula-
tions that could take precedence over the instructions on the pesticide labeling.
Because of possible air pollution hazard and the risks of liability, your best
option is to use another disposal method for these containers.
g.
Labeling Statements about Container Disposal
Typical pesticide labeling instructions about disposal of pesticide contain-
ers include:
•
Do not reuse empty containers.
•
Offer for recycling or reconditioning, or puncture and dispose of in a
sanitary landfill or incinerate.
•
Dispose of bag in a sanitary landfill or by incineration.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
The EPA regulates wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA). EPA issues a list of materials that are considered hazardous.
However, RCRA applies to certain flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic
wastes, even if they are not on the list. Therefore, some other pesticides could
be “regulated hazardous wastes” under RCRA. States and tribes often have
their own hazardous waste laws, which may be more stringent than RCRA.
Contact your State or tribal authority for applicable requirements.
