Disposal of pesticide waste and containers

Waste pesticides and containers should be disposed in a manner that reduces the risk to people, animals, crops, water supplies or the environment both now and in the future. Indiscriminate dumping of excess pesticides into water drains, streams and fields is totally unacceptable and can have detrimental effects on many down stream users in the environment.

The rules for disposal are:

• The user should read the label for specific advice on waste disposal.
• The local supplier of the chemical should be asked if he would accept the waste
• Where possible waste should be disposed through a company or individual licensed to handle waste disposal.
• Waste should be disposed of as soon as possible. Avoid accumulation as this often increases the risk of contamination through spillage.
• Empty pesticide containers should never be reused except for the transfer of the same product from a leaking container
• All containers should be drained, cleaned and punctured after emptying and before disposal
• Containers may be buried on the premises owned by the user or a site designated by the local authority. The burial site must be chosen so there is no risk of contamination to surface or underground water. The containers should be buried at a depth greater than 1 meter and below any land drains. The area should be fenced and marked with warning signs and a record of the number of containers kept.
• When liquid wastes need to be disposed, soak-aways or evaporation pits may be an option. Soak-aways must be environmentally acceptable for the type and quantity of pesticides to be disposed. The user needs to consult the local authorities and seek the advise of the chemical suppliers to determine where a soak away is appropriate for the chemicals being used