Pesticide and container disposal

Proper disposal of old pesticides and containers is important to protect the environment and the safety of those who come into contact with the old containers.  The first rule - don’t just toss the container into the trash or recycling bin or pour the contents down the sink drain.  The label on the container will give you storage and disposal instructions for the pesticide.  If any leftover product remains in the container, the container and contents should be disposed as household hazardous waste based on the regulations in your community.  Most communities have a hazardous waste collection center.  If the container is empty, never use it for anything else.  In some communities, pesticide containers can be recycled if properly handled, but please check your community’s rules.  Don’t try to sneak it into the regular recycling bin.  It could harm someone or pollute the environment.  Also, please don’t pour leftover pesticide down your sink drain, because the wastewater treatment plant may not be able to remove some of the harmful chemicals. I’ve included a link with a little more information on pesticide disposal, including a phone number to call to locate a disposal facility. The second link has information on integrated pest management, which involves choosing the least toxic way to deal with your particular pest.  Sometimes you don’t really need a pesticide, and that is much better for the earth.  I’ll talk more about that in another post.

http://npic.orst.edu/health/disposal.html

http://npic.orst.edu/pest/ipm.html