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PESTICIDE DISPOSAL AND SAFE STORAGE

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Pesticide Disposal and Safe Storage

Old and unneeded pesticides are hazardous waste. Either use up the pesticides directed (provided the products are still currently registered) or dispose of them at a hazardous waste collection facility. Disposal down the drain or in the trash is illegal in Washington State, despite instructions on some product labels.

Household pesticide disposal

For information on free disposal call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or 1-888-TOXIC ED or visit the Household Hazardous Waste page.

Business and farm pesticide disposal

  • Small quantity generators, or SQGs, may be able to use the SQG Pilot Disposal Project for free disposal of pesticide wastes. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 or visit the “Business” page.
  • The Washington State Department of Agriculture, or WSDA, collects and properly disposes of unusable pesticides. By using this service participants don't have to store aging and unneeded products. There is no charge for this service. Collection events are held throughout the state; call WSDA at 360- 902-2056 for more information or to sign up for an event.

Safe storage of pesticides

Improper pesticide storage, use and disposal can be dangerous to human health and can harm the environment.

Pesticides should be stored in rooms or cabinets that can be locked and that provide secondary containment for the pesticide products. Shelves should be secured and have lips to minimize damage in the event of an earthquake. Good storage practices include:

  • Place pesticide containers in secondary containment.
  • Store liquids on the bottom shelf.
  • Don't store bagged material below liquids.
  • Separate insecticides, herbicides, etc.
  • Inspect container periodically for leaks and spills.
  • Determine whether stored products can withstand freezing temperatures.
  • Provide adequate ventilation.
  • Store personal protective equipment in a separate room.
  • Store pesticides away from wellheads and other areas where groundwater contamination might occur.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture, or WSDA, regulates pesticides in Washington. Contact WSDA’s Pesticide Management Division at 1-877-301-4555 (toll-free).