Need to get rid of your old pesticides?

by | Feb 25, 2013

Safely dispose of your old and unwanted pesticides during an upcoming collection day.

If you’re a farmer or homeowner and want to safely disposeĀ  of your old or unwanted pesticides, you can drop them off at one of several collection events this spring. The season kicks off Feb. 26 in Northampton County.

The events are hosted by the department’s Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program and Cooperative Extension.

Since 1980, the program has collected and safely disposed of nearly 3 million pounds of pesticides. Last year, the program collected 143,000 pounds of pesticides.

The program also sponsors disposal sites and single-day collection events for household hazardous waste.

The first collection event will be held at the Northampton County Landfill in Jackson on Feb. 26. Collections also will be held in Martin, Camden, Johnston and Granville counties later this week. For a complete list of collection sites, dates and times, go to http://ncagr.gov/SPCAP/pesticides/PDAP/pds.htm.

PDAP holds collection days in the spring and fall. Most people should be able to find an event in their county or a neighboring county every six to eight months. If you don’t see an event in your county, check back as new locations are added during the season.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for a smooth drop-off experience:

  • Collection events are free and no preregistration is required.
  • Unknown or unlabeled materials will not be accepted.
  • Pressurized and mini-bulk containers will not be accepted.
  • If you are dropping off material in containers larger than 5 gallons, please contact cooperative extension or PDAP before the event.

Please contact PDAP or your county extension agent for details on drop-off locations and for any other questions.