PERRYVILLE, Mo. – Missourians will have an opportunity to safely dispose of pesticides 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 13, at MFA Agri Services in Perryville.
A variety of decades-old pesticides brought to a pesticide collection event in Carrollton. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Sam Polly, University of Missouri Extension pesticide safety education program coordinator, said Missouri Department of Natural Resources representatives will accept up to 8,000 pounds of all pesticides from noncommercial sources at no charge.
These include herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, dewormers, fly tags and fertilizer containing pesticides, Polly said. However, rinsate will not be accepted.
“This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of pesticides to avoid harm to people and the environment,” he said. “We strongly encourage people to participate to improve on-farm safety for humans, animals, birds, fish, beneficial insects and nontargeted plants.”
You can preregister for drop off at . For questions, visit the or call 573-526-3910.
Polly suggests wearing nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves when transporting pesticides. Avoid smoking and bringing children and pets with you.
Keep waste pesticides in their original containers, and don’t mix pesticides with other materials, says Polly.
Label materials that are not in the original containers, and make sure lids are tightly sealed. If the container leaks, put it in a larger container with a nonflammable absorbent such as clay-based cat box filler.
Also, safely secure pesticides upright in the back of the vehicle or in the trunk.