Almost 30,000 Lbs. Of Waste Pesticides Collected In 2014

Helena, Mont., The Montana Department of Agriculture collected 29,853 pounds of waste pesticides from 95 participants in western Montana in 2014. The annual event has collected more than 485,500 pounds of waste pesticides since it began in 1994.

“This program allows anyone who has waste or unusable pesticide to dispose of it properly and safely. The majority of participants have under 200 pounds of waste pesticides and are not sure how to get rid of it without going to the dump. People want to do the right thing and dispose of it appropriately,” said program coordinator Carli Lofing.

The program is held in a different part of the state each year. “We see products that have been left behind when better alternatives come on the market,” said Lofing, “and we see stuff that’s frozen or damaged and can’t be used anymore. We get a surprising amount of things that have been off the market for decades, like chlordane, 2, 4, 5-T, and even DDT.”

Last year, waste pesticides were collected in the Montana communities of Kalispell, Polson, Missoula, and Bozeman. Waste disposal will occur within the central district communities of Havre, Great Falls, Lewistown, and Big Timber between Sept. 15 and 18 this year.

The department asks that participants pre-register before the collection events so that the products they have can be managed safely and efficiently. Licensed pesticide applicators will receive information and a registration form in the mail. Others with waste pesticides in need of disposal can learn more and register on the program’s website at http://agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/Pesticides/DisposalandRecycling/PesticideDisposal/.

There is no charge for the first 200 pounds of material. Amounts over 200 pounds are assessed at $0.50 per pound. A higher fee may apply to pesticides with dioxins or dioxin precursors.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit http://www.agr.mt.gov.