Unwanted Pesticide Collection Sets Record

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Popular Program nets more than 26 tons of material.

Salt Lake City -- The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s (UDAF) popular unwanted pesticide collection program took more than 26 tons of material off the hands of dozens of owners this year. A total of 52,994 pounds of pesticides or other potentially harmful materials were dropped off at various collection points statewide from May 1 to June 14, 2010. The program saved citizens thousands of dollars in disposal fees, and assured the proper disposal of these unused or unwanted materials that are potentially harmful to the environment.

The program began in 1993 and has collected more than 127 tons of unused pesticide from dozens of locations throughout the state. The program may be repeated next year, depending on need and funding.
The Unwanted Pesticide Disposal Program is funded by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and is a cooperative effort with Intermountain Farmers Association, J&J Nursery/Great Basin Products, Steve Regan and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).

This program offers a safe, economical and environmentally appropriate way to dispose of cancelled, suspended, expired, unwanted, unused and unstable pesticides. Often these products are stored for long
periods of time and their containers deteriorate to the point of developing leaks, which may lead to health and environmental problems. Disposing of unused pesticides in an improper manner is a violation of state and federal laws.

The State contracts with Clean Harbors, a licensed hazardous waste company, to collect and dispose of the unwanted pesticides.

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Posted: Sept. 1, 2010