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 19 in 2007. In addition, individual pesticide dealers also participate in the program. In 2007, 8 pesticide dealers either hosted a recycling site for the locality or collected their own containers for granulation. A total of 36,135 plastic pesticide containers were recycled in 2007, for a total of 853,730 recycled since 1993.

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.