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Get leftover pesticides out of your storage space — and do it correctly.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

June 2, 2021

2 Min Read
bottles of pesticides in cabinet
DISPOSE PROPERLY: Some of these pesticides, including the herbicide, have been in this cabinet for over 20 years. The Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep program is a chance to empty spaces like this one. Tom J. Bechman

Have you ever been to an auction and in line to sell are jugs of half-used pesticides or cans of various insecticides? Nobody wants to buy those materials. Do yourself a favor and don’t leave that stuff sitting there when the next generation or the auctioneer comes along. Get rid of it now!

The excuses are many, and sometimes they’re partly valid. They include, “I don’t know where to take it” and “The local landfill won’t accept it.” The Office of the Indiana State Chemist will accept these materials at six sites across the state this August — and state officials want to see you bring these materials in. They don’t want pesticides left sitting in toolsheds, barns and garages.

“The best thing you can do if you have leftover pesticides you no longer want is to dispose of them properly,” says Fred Whitford, director of Purdue University Pesticide Programs. His group cooperates with OISC to publicize the Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep, designed to collect as many pounds and gallons of unused pesticides as possible.

“It’s a great opportunity to clean up your storage area or workbench,” Whitford continues. “These materials need to be handled carefully and disposed of correctly, and that is why OISC offers this free service.”

Important details

The Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep program sponsored by OISC this August will accept suspended, canceled, banned, unusable pesticides of any type in opened or unopened containers. You can bring in weed killers, brush killers, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides and any other pesticide you might have on hand that you no longer need.

The disposal service is free for up to 250 pounds of pesticide per participant, OISC guidelines note. If you bring more than 250 pounds, the charge is $2 per pound for anything above the 250-pound free limit.

“It’s a great opportunity to legally dispose of unwanted pesticides at little or no cost,” Whitford says.

Here are the six locations planned for the Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep. All times are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time.

  • Aug. 17, Elkhart County Solid Waste, 59530 County Road 7, Elkhart

  • Aug. 18, Fountain County Fairgrounds, 476 U.S. Highway 136, Veedersburg

  • Aug. 19, Knox County Fairgrounds, 11728 IN-67, Bicknell

  • Aug. 24, Harrison County Fairgrounds, 341 S. Capitol Ave., Corydon

  • Aug. 25, Union County Co-op, 101 W. Campbell St., Liberty

  • Aug. 26, Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville

To participate, complete the 2021 Pesticide Clean Sweep Planning Form and mail, fax or email it by Aug. 6. Email the form to [email protected] or fax to 765-494-4331. Mail to: OISC, 175 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2063. If you have questions, call Nathan Davis at 765-494-1585.

COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. You will remain in your vehicle at the drop-off site. Vehicles will be unloaded one at a time. OISC reserves the right to cancel the Pesticide Clean Sweep if there isn’t adequate demand. Should that happen, those registered by Aug. 6 will be notified.

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

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