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Managing The Property : Pest Control
Safe Disposal of Pesticides Protects the Environment

The best way to dispose of small amounts of excess pesticides is to use 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 of 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.

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 no community program or guidance exists, follow the label directions for disposal. In general, to dispose of less than a full container of a liquid pesticide, leave it in the original container with the cap tightly in place to prevent spills or leaks. Wrap the container in several layers of newspaper and tie it securely. Put the package in a covered trash can for routine collection with municipal trash. If you do not have a regular trash collection service, take the package to a permitted landfill (unless your town has other requirements).
Note: No more than 1 gallon of liquid pesticide at a time should be thrown out with the regular trash in this manner.

Wrap individual packages of dry pesticides in several layers of newspaper (or place the pesticides in a tight carton or bag), and tape or tie the package closed. Put the package in a covered trash can for routine collection. Note: No more than 5 pounds of dry pesticide at a time should be thrown out with the regular trash in this manner.

Storing and Disposing of Pesticides Properly:
  • Do not pour leftover pesticides down the sink, into the toilet, or down a sewer or street drain.
  • 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 waste water 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.
  • An empty pesticide container can be as hazardous as a full one because of residues left inside. Never reuse such a container. When empty, a pesticide container should be rinsed carefully three times and the rinse water thoroughly drained back into the sprayer or the container previously used to mix the pesticide. Use the rinse water as a pesticide, following label directions.
  • Replace the cap or closure securely. Dispose of the container according to label instructions. Do not puncture or burn a pressurized container like an aerosol. It could explode.
  • Do cut or puncture other empty pesticide containers made of metal or plastic to prevent someone from reusing them. Wrap the empty container and put it in the trash after you have rinsed it.
Many communities have programs to recycle household waste such as empty bottles and cans. Do not recycle any pesticide containers, however, unless the label specifically states that the empty container may be recycled after cleaning.
 
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