Disposal
Poor disposal can result in pesticides reaching water and damage to the aquatic environment. Farmers need to consider four types of pesticide waste:
1.Unapproved or unwanted pesticides
It is illegal to store or use any unapproved pesticides, so it is important to ensure all the pesticides in your store are approved. Many products are losing their approval as part of the EU Review programme. So check the approval status of your products every year. Your BASIS Registered advisor can help identify those products, which require disposal. The CRD website has the latest and authoritative list of approved products as well as a list of products under phased revocation.
2. Leftover unused spray solution
The best approach is to avoid the problem by making sure that areas that need to be treated are measured accurately and the right quantity of spray solution is prepared. Where there is leftover spray this can be sprayed on an untreated part of the crop saved for that purpose or sprayed over the treated crop provided the maximum label dose is not exceeded.
3. Sprayer Washings
The sprayer can be washed down in the field, over a lined biobed or over a concrete area where the liquid is drained to a lined biobed or a sump for future disposal. Internal tank rinsings can be sprayed on to an untreated part of the crop saved for that purpose or sprayed over the treated crop provided the maximum label dose is not exceeded.
4. Pesticide Packaging
In England and Wales the only permitted disposal option is to use a waste or recycling contractor. A list of these can be found at www.wasterecycling.org.uk.
Check with the waste disposal contractor if pesticide packaging needs to be segregated into different materials (paper, plastics, metal etc.). Always thoroughly clean pesticide containers prior to disposal. Use the pressure rinsing device in the induction bowl or triple rinse the container. Allow containers time to drain and dry.
More Information
Best Practice Guide Container Cleaning
Best Practice Guide Pesticide Disposal
Best Practice Guide Pesticide Container Disposal
Pesticide Disposal FAQs
Pesticide Disposal Contractors