Unwanted pesticides can be disposed of properly and safely at 20 collection sites across the state between March 14 and April 8 from 8 a.m. to noon. Local waste pesticide disposal will be offered at the Walmart Parking lot in Fremont on March 17th. Other nearby collections sites include Husker Coop in Columbus on March 18th and Madison County Weed Control in Norfolk on March 22nd.
The sites will accept all types of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides for agricultural, home, structural, lawn and garden use for disposal at no cost, except for pesticides in pressurized containers. The collection does not include oil and oil filters, antifreeze, paint, varnishes, thinners, cleaners and solvents.
Funding for the collection program will be jointly provided by funds from the Environmental Trust Board (grants dollars provided to the Nebraska Agri-Business Association), US Environmental Protection Agency (grant dollars provided to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality) and from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (registration fees collected from the registration of pesticide products in Nebraska). These agencies are cooperating with University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension to promote this opportunity and to facilitate collection and disposal of these waste or unwanted pesticide materials through incineration.
When delivering pesticides, leave labels intact, handle containers with chemical-resistant gloves, transport the material in a plastic bucket or pail to protect the pesticide container and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling any pesticide container.
If planning to bring in more than 1,000 pounds of waste, contact Rich Reiman at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, phone (402) 471-2394. For locations or for more information, contact the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension office in Dodge County, (402) 727-2775.
Dave Varner is an Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension office in Dodge County. Dave can be contacted by mail at 1206 W. 23rd St. Fremont, NE 68025; by phone at 402-727-2775; or via e-mail at dvarner1@unl.edu
