REGULATORY SERVICES
Disposing
of used plastic pesticide containers, in a manner that does not threaten the
environment, poses a challenge for agricultural producers and custom applicators.
Typically, pesticide applicators dispose of their empty, clean plastic pesticide
containers by hauling them to the local sanitary landfill.
Program Overview
Virginia's Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program is
a cooperative effort among Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services (VDACS), Pesticide Control Board, Virginia Cooperative Extension,
and local governments.
The program is administered by local governments under national guidelines
developed by the Ag Container Recycling
Council.
Grant monies are provided to participating local government to defray the
costs. Recycling sites are established in participating localities to accept
properly rinsed plastic pesticide containers.
Other sites will be established as the program expands. All pesticide containers
are inspected by trained local personnel.
Containers are granulated by a contractor with assistance from VDACS and
local personnel. Granulated chips are transported to recycling facilities
and fabricated into items such as pallets, fence posts, field drain tiles
and parking stops.
History
Virginia's container recycling program began in 1993 in six localities
with more than 35,000 containers recycled. The number of participating localities
has steadily increased from 6 in 1993 to 21 in 2008. In addition, individual
pesticide dealers also participate in the program. In 2008, 8 pesticide
dealers either hosted a recycling site for the locality or collected their
own containers for granulation. A total of 76,957 plastic pesticide containers
were recycled in 2008, for a total of 930,687 recycled since 1993. This equates to over one million pounds of plastic collected for refabrication.
How To Start A Recycling Program
Contact your county supervisor or Cooperative Extension Agent and request
that your county or independent city participate in this program. Counties or independent cities interested in a recycling program should contact Liza Fleeson for additional information.
