Never Pour Down the Drain
Pesticides should never be poured down the drain because they contain toxic chemicals that will contaminate waterways. Instead, dispose of them as hazardous waste.
Don't Water the Grass After
Absolutely do not water the grass after applying garden chemicals. This runoff ends up in storm drains that feed directly into nearby lakes and rivers. It also reduces the effectiveness of your pesticides.
Don't Use if It's Going to Rain
Avoid using chemicals before a storm. If you do, they will wash down storm drains and into nearby waterways when it rains.
Rinse Empty Concentrate Containers
According to federal regulations, containers that held concentrate need to be rinsed out three times before they are thrown in the trash: First, add remaining spray from the container to the tank. Second, add water into the container, swirl and then transfer that to the spray tank as well. Finally, repeat these steps twice. Find more detailed instructions here. If you wait to rinse a container, the mixture may dry and become difficult to remove.
Wear PPE
Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides.
Ready-to-Use Containers
Empty containers that held ready-to-use chemicals can be thrown in the garbage without rinsing them out.
Ways to Reduce
Use Up Completely
The best way to dispose of pesticides is to use them up completely, which reduces how much can leach into the environment. If you’re not going to use them up completely, try giving them away to a friend or neighbor.
Avoid Purchasing Concentrate
Consider purchasing ready-to-use products. Purchasing concentrations to dilute on your own can expose the body to harmful chemicals. Also the use of under-diluted chemicals is more damaging to the air, water and soil.
Use Bait Stations or Insecticidal Soaps
Identify your pest problem and use the least toxic option to eliminate those pests (if you must use garden chemicals). Consider using bait stations or insecticidal soaps and oils. Find out more.
