Hugh Weathers, commissioner of agriculture, has announced the South Carolina Waste Pesticide Recovery Program, which has been successful in the Pee Dee area, is now moving into Johnston and Fairfax.

Old, outdated, unusable or unwanted pesticides will be collected from farmers, foresters, nurserymen, and landowners in these areas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov 11-13.

Phase I of the collection program began with selected sites in the Pee Dee and Orangeburg areas. “We are now moving to the Johnston and Fairfax areas this week,” said Commissioner Weathers. Phase II will cover the upstate.

“In the first two weeks of the recovery program,” he said, “we collected over 130,000 pounds of pesticides.” A fully permitted waste collection vendor is removing these pesticides from farms and disposing them in a safe and proper manner. There is no charge for this service and registration is not required. All information associated with this program is confidential.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture secured state and federal funds to administer this much needed program. “I appreciate the assistance of partners such as the South Carolina Farm Bureau in helping make this happen,” Commissioner Weathers said.

All agricultural pesticides, labeled or not, may be brought to one of the sites on the dates designated.

Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, fungicides and other similar products used in commercial agricultural production. No fertilizers, household chemicals, compressed cylinders or empty containers will be accepted.

Participants are urged to bring all materials to the site in the safest manner possible. Enclose all loose materials or leaking containers in plastic bags. If special circumstances exist that require pickup on site, contact Larry Boyleston, assistant commissioner, South Carolina Department of Agriculture, 803-734-2191, [email protected] to make arrangements.

The program will also include an education component to provide information on proper management, handling and use of pesticides.

SC Waste Pesticide Recovery Program Schedule

• Tuesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m.—3 p.m. Southern States Farm Supply, Johnston.

• Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m., Southern States Farm Supply, Johnston.

• Thursday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m., Helena Ag Chemical, Fairfax.