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Safe Disposal of Pesticides

Read the pesticide label for specific disposal instructions.
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Updated:
June 26, 2025
Bottles of pesticides. S.K. McDonald, Bugwood.org

Bottles of pesticides. S.K. McDonald, Bugwood.org

  • Avoid disposal problems by purchasing only the amount of material needed for one growing season or year. Do not stockpile.
  • Use proper personal protective clothing and equipment when you dispose of pesticide wastes and containers.
  • Mix only the amount of pesticide required for a particular application. If you mix too much, use the surplus by applying the material at or below the recommended rate to one of the crops or sites listed on the label.
  • Whenever possible, clean sprayers at the application site at a safe distance from wells, ponds, streams, and storm drains. Spray the rinsate on the treated area or on another site listed on the pesticide label, or use in the next tank mix. Be sure not to exceed label rates.
  • Equipment rinsate may also be used as a diluent for future pesticide mixtures provided the: pesticide or pesticides in the rinsate are labeled for use on the target site where the new mixture will be applied, the amount of pesticide in the rinsate and new mixture does not exceed the label rate for the target site, and the rinsate is used to dilute a mixture containing the same or a compatible pesticide.
  • If possible, avoid storing rinsates, and if they are stored for future use, make sure the containers are properly identified with the name and percentage of active ingredients and accompanied by a readily available copy of the registered label of the pesticides found in the container.
  • Do not dump pesticides or pesticide rinsates on the ground or pour them down sinks, toilets, or other drains, including storm sewers.
  • Pressure rinse or triple rinse empty pesticide containers, according to label directions, with water, and pour the rinse water into the spray tank. Drain the containers for 30 seconds each time.
  • After rinsing metal, plastic, or glass containers, puncture, break, crush, or in some way render unusable. Recycle plastic containers through the Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA). Contact your regional PDA office for further information. Disposal in a sanitary landfill is desirable if conducted in accordance with local regulations.
  • If stated on the label and permitted by local ordinances, combustible containers can be burned. However, first triple rinse containers and do not burn pesticide containers near residential areas or where the smoke can contact humans. Avoid exposure to the smoke; it may contain toxic vapors. Bury the ashes, since they may also be toxic, and do not use burn pits.
  • Send large metal drums to a reconditioning company.
  • Before disposing of pesticide concentrates, check with PDA's CHEMSWEEP Program, which provides disposal options for unwanted and outdated pesticide concentrates free of charge.
  • Do not reuse empty pesticide containers for any purpose.
  • Clean up thoroughly after handling and disposing of pesticides.
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