This fall, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is launching a program to collect unwanted pesticides from agricultural producers across the state who need assistance disposing of them properly.

Eligible items include but are not limited to partially full containers of pesticides and pesticide products that are cancelled or expired.

The Unwanted Pesticide Pick-Up Program will be conducted at various locations in the state on an annual basis. There is no cost to the farmer, and it is completely anonymous for those who wish to participate.

The only pesticide collection program of this nature in Louisiana was conducted by LDAF in 1996. Upon completion of the project, the department had collected approximately 200 tons of unused pesticides.

“Agricultural producers tend to accumulate pesticides over time due to partially full containers being held for later use or that don’t contain enough product to complete an application,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M. “The goal of the program is to assist Louisiana agricultural producers in properly disposing of unwanted pesticides and to ensure that human health and the environment in Louisiana are protected.”

Currently in Louisiana, an individual wishing to dispose of pesticide products must contact a licensed contractor for disposal, which results in a costly fee based on pounds of product(s) submitted for disposal. The LDAF program will not require a fee for the disposal of unwanted pesticides. The cost of the program will be funded through fees associated with pesticide manufacturers’ product registrations in Louisiana.

All pesticides offered for sale in Louisiana must be registered annually with the LDAF.

The LDAF has retained a licensed contractor for the program. This contractor will assume all responsibility for pesticide products delivered to the designated locations and for disposal.

LSU AgCenter Extension agents will assist LDAF in compiling an inventory of pesticide products in each parish. The inventory list will provide valuable information regarding the quantity and types of pesticides that need to be properly disposed. Information gathered from the inventory will enable LDAF to determine the best drop-off locations across the state. The drop-off locations and date are expected to be announced in late September.

Source: Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.