Always refer to the current pesticide label “Storage and Disposal” requirements for disposal requirements of pesticide containers. EPA’s pesticide container regulations [40 CFR 156] establish standards for pesticide containers and repackaging. They also now provide standards for
label instructions to ensure the safe use, reuse, disposal, and adequate cleaning of the containers. Cleaning the container before final disposal is the responsibility of the person disposing of the container. Applicators must follow the label instructions for cleaning and handling empty containers prior to disposal. Container handling statements will also be found in the Storage & Disposal Statements of the pesticide label state whether: 1) is it refillable or non-refillable; 2) can container be reused, recycled, or reconditioned; 3) how to dispose of the container if recycling or reconditioning are not an option; and 4) how to clean the container if cleaning is required.
For non-refillable bags of granulars and powders, completely empty bag into application equipment by shaking and tapping sides and bottom to loosen clinging particles. If not emptied in this manner, the bag may be considered an acute hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Other similar dry pesticides that have not been combined with liquids include dusts, wettable powders, dry flowables, water-soluble powders, granules, and dry baits.
After emptying a non-refillable or refillable product container containing a dilutable pesticide, triple rinse container (or equivalent) promptly (see below). Empty the rinsate into application equipment or a mix tank or store rinsate for later use or disposal according to label directions. Rinsate may be disposed of when applied to a labeled site in accordance with the pesticide label.
To prepare pesticide containers for recycling or reconditioning, either the triple rinse-and-drain procedure or the pressure-on rinse procedure are acceptable methods. Unless the applicator rinses in the field (preferred method), cleaning should be done on a mixing and loading pad, or other containment structure that ensures collection of rinse water. Thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of container. NO residues are acceptable.
Acceptable methods to prepare non-refillable containers that contained dilutable pesticides for recycling and/or disposal are triple rinsing-and-draining or pressure-rinsing, as follows:
- Triple Rinse-and-Drain Method (for refillable containers larger than 5 gallons):
To empty a pesticide container for disposal, drain the container into application equipment or mix tank by holding container in a vertical position for 30 seconds. Add a solvent, capable of removing the pesticide, to the pesticide container, so that it is approximately one-fourth full. Only use solvents as specified on the label, such as water.Agitate the container thoroughly, and then drain the liquid (rinsate) into the application equipment or mix tank by holding the pesticide container in a vertical position for 30 seconds. Repeat two more times. Empty the rinsate into application equipment or a mix tank, or store rinsate for later use or disposal. - Pressure Rinse Method:
An optional method to rinse small pesticide containers is to use a special rinsing device on the end of a standard water hose. The rinsing device has a sharp probe (called a “stinger”) to puncture the container and several orifices to provide multiple spray jets of water. After the container has been drained into the sprayer tank (container is upside down), jab the pointed pressure rinser through the bottom of the inverted container. Rinse for at least 30 seconds. The spray jets of water rinse the inside of the container and the pesticide residue is washed down into the sprayer tank for proper use. Thirty seconds of rinse time is equivalent to triple rinsing. An added benefit is the container is rendered unusable.
When either of these methods is used, a farmer can consider the container ‘empty’ legally; but it cannot be reused for other purposes. If a container cannot be cleaned, contact the pesticide manufacturer for disposal guidance. If the container has visible residue not removable via normal cleaning, then it is outside the scope of most recycling programs. Contact the product manufacturer for disposal guidance. Pesticide manufacturers, formulators, producers, and registrants can provide you with valuable information about their pesticide products. See the National Pesticide Information Center’s online directory of pesticide manufacturers, formulators, producers, and registrants at http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/manuf.html for information on your pesticide product.
DISPOSAL OPTIONS:
Disposal options for empty pesticide containers may be limited by local regulations and ordinances (and recycling program availability). Although crushed/punctured containers may be accepted by sanitary landfills or landfills that accept industrial waste; check with landfill operators prior to taking empty containers for disposal. A summary of each state’s pesticide container recycling program for the Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey is found in Section D. Pesticide Safety of the 2024/2025 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Reccommendations
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) promotes the New Jersey Agricultural Recycling Programs. Pesticide container disposal is offered to agricultural, professional, and commercial pesticide applicators who hold a NJDEP pesticide license as well as state, county, and municipal government agencies. One core credit will be given to pesticide license holders who follow required processing steps and bring their license with them at time of collection. The program accepts non-refillable, high-density polyethylene #2 (HDPE) containers that are no larger than 55 gallons and that have been triple rinsed. For more details on NJDA recycling requirementson (such as how a container must be prepared), scheduling, and locations, see the NJDA webpage at https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/anr/nrc/recycling.html. Contact the NJDA Recycling Program Manager Tim Feteke at (609) 913-6490 for additional information on New Jersey’s various agricultural recycling programs. Please see Michelle Casella’s March 28, 2024 post to the PPA Locations for NJ Pesticide Recycling Containers – 2024 which contains more details on the NJDA program.
Always refer to the label’s “Storage and Disposal” requirements.
Source: Adapted from Section D. Pesticide Safety the 2024/2025 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Reccommendations.