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Get rid of unused pesticides the right way
Are you wondering what to do with old pesticides and containers? Here are two ways to properly dispose of them.
3 Min Read
UNUSED: The Clean Sweep Collection Program and Pesticide Container Recycling Program are available to help safely dispose of unused pesticides and empty containers.Holly Spangler
As farmers across Illinois make their way through spraying season, there’s a good chance they’ll wind up with empty containers and even unused pesticides. What to do with them? The Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association have the answer.
IDOA and IFCA work together to provide the Clean Sweep Collection Program, says Kevin “KJ” Johnson, IFCA president.
For nursery owners, farmers and retired farmers, the program is a great way to dispose of unused pesticides without impacting the environment, says Rick Severns, environmental engineer at IDOA.
Organizers say Clean Sweep collections in Illinois have occurred since 1990, collecting unused pesticides. Through 51 collections over the years, 2,177 participants have properly disposed 609,619 pounds of products.
“The Clean Sweep moves around the state of Illinois every year,” Johnson says. “This year, we are focusing on the southern part of Illinois.”
The following counties will have pesticide collection sites in late summer:
Clay
Edwards
Gallatin
Hamilton
Hardin
Pope
Saline
Wabash
Wayne
White
To participate in the Clean Sweep Collection Program, individuals must register products planned for disposal by July 22. Registration for the program includes completing and returning a form to IDOA. From there, participants will be contacted about specific dates and locations of collection sites.
What to do with containers
If you have pesticide containers lying around, consider the IDOA Pesticide Container Recycling Program. Empty pesticide containers impact the environment by cluttering landfills, Severns says. This program allows old pesticide containers to be recycled into pallets through a contractor.
He says this year, collection sites are located at 28 partnering agrichemical facilities across the state of Illinois:
Bockhorn Ag in Sparta on July 22
Gateway FS in Waterloo on July 22
Wabash Valley Serve Co. in Ellery on July 23
Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. in New Baden on July 26
Irvington Elevator in Irvington on July 26
Effingham Equity in Montrose on July 27
Woolsey Brothers in Vandalia on July 27
M&M Service in Girard on July 28
Effingham Equity in Pana on July 28
Prairieland FS in Jacksonville on July 29
Sunrise FS in Virginia on July 29
United Prairie in Tolono on July 30
Early Bird Feed & Fertilizer in Deer Creek on July 30
Chem-Gro Inc. in Bowen on Aug. 2
Prairieland FS in Rushville on Aug. 2
Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. in Blandinsville on Aug. 3
Ag-Land FS in Hanna City on Aug. 3
Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. in Onarga on Aug. 4
Chebanse Ag in Chebanse on Aug. 4
Helena Chemical Co. in Toluca on Aug. 5
Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. in Saunemin on Aug. 5
Grainco FS in Lostant on Aug. 6
Helena Chemical Co. in Kirkland on Aug. 9
CHS Inc. in Maple Park on Aug. 9
Conserv FS in Marengo on Aug. 10
Conserv FS in Rockford on Aug. 10
Pearl City Elevator in Dakota on Aug. 11
Carroll Service Co. in Milledgeville on Aug. 11
Permanent collection sites are also available throughout the year:
Logan Agri Service Inc., Griggsville, Pike County
Klein Flying Service, Lawrenceville, Lawrence County
Klein Flying Service, Carmi, White County
To bring materials to these permanent sites, contact the location and make drop-off arrangements.
For more information about collection sites and how to participate in the recycling program, visit the IDOA website.
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