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Safe Disposal of Pesticides
- The best way to dispose of small amounts of excess pesticides is to
use them - apply them - according to the directions on the label. If
you cannot use them, ask your neighbors whether they have a similar
pest control problem and can use them.
- If all the remaining pesticide cannot be properly used, check with
your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency, or
health department to find out whether your community has a household
hazardous waste collection program or a similar program for getting
rid of unwanted, leftover pesticides. These authorities can also inform
you of any local requirements for pesticide waste disposal.
To identify your local solid waste agency, look in the government section
of your phone book under categories such as solid waste, public
works, or garbage, trash, or refuse collection
or you can call 1-800-CLEANUP.
- State and local laws regarding pesticide disposal may be stricter
than the Federal requirements on the label. Be sure to check with
your state
or local agencies before disposing of your pesticide containers.
- If the container is partly filled, contact your local solid waste
agency.
- If the container is empty, do not reuse it. Place it in the trash,
unless the label specifies a different procedure.
- Do not pour leftover pesticides down the sink, into the toilet,
or down a sewer or street drain. Pesticides may interfere with the operation
of wastewater treatment systems or pollute waterways. Many municipal
systems are not equipped to remove all pesticide residues. If pesticides
reach waterways, they may harm fish, plants, and other living things.
- EPA's guidance to pesticide registrants about instructions
for disposal of household-use pesticides provides more information
on this issue.
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