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farm/ranch

Disposing of containers

The application of chemicals means farmers and ranchers are also often faced with disposing of potentially hazardous pesticide containers.

Beyond the potential harm to the environment, improperly discarded pesticide containers can also be dangerous to human health. Poison control centers report that many calls received annually result from exposure to chemical pesticides

While most ordinary trash can be sent to landfills, these sites generally can’t accept waste classified as hazardous under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Since contaminated pesticide containers and waste chemicals often fall into this category, farmers and agribusiness owners frequently have difficulty disposing of them properly. There are several solutions to this problem available in most states.

Leftover chemicals

With the advent of refillable containers, mini-bulks, and pre-measured water-soluble pouches, the problem of leftover pesticides has been dramatically reduced. It does, however, still exist. Applying leftover registered pesticides over as large an area of land as possible, such as on the field where the chemical was originally used, is a common disposal practice acceptable in most states.

However, disposing of banned chemicals is generally much more difficult and expensive. Contact your ag chemical dealer for information on chemical return programs in you area.

Rinsing empty containers

Most farmers, ranchers and custom applicators rinse pesticide containers as they are emptied, dumping the rinse water into the sprayer tank. This saves money and time, and the rinsing action is much more efficient if the chemical hasn’t dried in the empty container. Laboratory tests have shown that proper rinsing results in essentially harmless, pesticide-free containers, regardless of what product they originally contained.

Probably the fastest, most efficient and convenient container rinse method is pressure rinsing with metal hose-end attachments which puncture plastic and metal containers, producing a forceful spray of rinse water inside the empty container.

To rinse empty containers:

1. Puncture container with special hose-end attachment.
2. Spray inside of container on all sides for at least 30 seconds.
3. Let all rinse water drain into spray tank and never reuse containers unless designed for that purpose.

By holding the container over the opening to the spray tank while rinsing, the rinse water can be captured as it drains from the empty container spout. Manual rinsing methods, such as triple rinsing, can be as effective as pressure rinsing, although anyone who has tried it will vouch that it’s much more time consuming and labor intensive.

Disposing of rinsed containers

When rinsed according to label directions, pesticide containers are classified as ordinary solid waste and may be disposed of or recycled. Be aware, however, that some waste disposal operators will still turn away rinsed containers, even if they have adequate landfill capacity.

States also have jurisdiction over burning and burying containers on private property. Contact your ag chemical dealer for state disposal regulations and rules on burning or burying containers.

Recycling empty containers

Collection and recycling programs are available in a number of states. If you have the opportunity to participate in a recycling program, be sure to rinse all containers properly. Contact your ag chemical dealer for more information about container recycling programs near you.