The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) governs the sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the United States. Pesticides are regulated under FIFRA until they are disposed, after which they are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which ensures responsible management of hazardous waste and non-hazardous solid waste.
Farmers and commercial pesticide users generally cannot dispose of pesticides in household hazardous waste programs. But many states run pesticide disposal programs specifically for farmers and commercial pesticide users, which are often referred to as Clean Sweep programs. The details of the programs vary by state—including the participants, the materials collected, how the materials are collected, and the dates of the collection.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers the following guidelines for handling and disposing of pesticides:
Avoid disposing of pesticides whenever possible:
• Mix up only enough pesticide for the job.
• Use up small amounts of excess pesticides—apply them according to the directions on the label.
• If you cannot use it, ask your neighbors if they have a similar pest control problem and can use it up.
If any remaining pesticide cannot be used properly, safely dispose of pesticides to protect people, pets, and the environment:
• Follow all disposal instructions on the pesticide label.
• Check with your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency, or health department to find out whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program or a similar program for getting rid of unwanted, leftover pesticides. These authorities can also inform you of any local requirements for pesticide waste disposal. To identify your local solid waste agency:
o Search the internet or look in the government section of your phone book under categories such as solid waste, public works, or garbage, trash, or refuse collection for your town, city, or county.
o Contact Earth 911 at 1-800-CLEANUP or www.earth911.com.
Think before disposing of extra pesticides and containers:
• Never reuse empty pesticide containers. Pesticide residues can contaminate the new contents and cause serious harm.
• Never pour pesticides down the sink, toilet, sewer, or street drain.
o Many municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are not equipped to remove all pesticides.
o If pesticides reach waterways, they can harm fish, plants, and other living things.
In Texas, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulates the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides up to the point of disposal. Once pesticides are ready for disposal, they fall under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which addresses the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Texas does not have a statewide Clean Sweep program, but the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) provides guidance for the disposal of pesticides. Farmers and commercial users are encouraged to minimize waste by only mixing what is needed and using up small amounts according to label directions. If disposal is necessary, they must follow label instructions and consult with local waste authorities or programs for hazardous waste collection. Pesticide containers should never be reused, and pesticides should not be poured into household drains or outdoor drainage systems. The TCEQ and local environmental agencies can provide information on proper disposal practices to ensure protection of people, pets, and the environment.
