1. First, do not dispose of these pesticides in an illegal or unsafe way. Do not pour them into storm drains and other drains, put them into trash cans, or use other similar disposal methods. These disposal systems do not have the ability to degrade these pesticides properly and the pesticide can quickly put people and the environment at risk. This may also cause a liability problem for you personally or your company.

2. The best method to dispose of old or unwanted pesticides is by using it per label directions. Be careful to use it on a labeled crop, at the labeled rate with all recommended precautions. Even with an old pesticide that may not be effective, follow the label! Just because a pesticide is old and perhaps ineffective, does not mean it is not still toxic. Follow all label precautions when applying any pesticide!

Apply the pesticide in a place where it is least likely to impact people and the environment. Consider that though you must use the pesticide per the label, you do not necessarily have to use the pesticide for the purpose or location for which you bought it. For instance, you may have bought a pesticide for use inside a structure. It may not make sense to apply the pesticide inside just to get rid of it. The same pesticide may also be labeled for use outside in a field, forest, lawn, landscape etc. When disposing of pesticides by applying them, select a location where there will be less risk to people or the environment.

3. If the pesticide is not too old, share it with someone who could use the pesticide legally. The exception to this would be restricted use pesticides (RUPs). Do not share RUPs with someone else, but rather use them yourself.
If you give an RUP to another person and they use it incorrectly, you may be liable since the pesticide was purchased under your license number.

When sharing a pesticide consider that:

* The pesticide must remain in the original container and with the
label.
* The user must follow all label directions. Select a pesticide
applicator to receive the pesticide that will be able to legitimately use the chemical according to the label.

4. Certain companies dispose of pesticides for a fee. There will usually be a set-up fee and a per pound fee. If you must go this route, try to gather all your un-needed pesticides at one time so that you pay only one set-up fee. The company may also be able to dispose of other unwanted chemicals for you.

We would like to thank Georgia Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia for information. For a more in-depth review of this information please visit the following website: http://www.ugaurbanag.com/