Farmers and professional growers play a pivotal role in ensuring a steady supply of food for the world's growing population. To achieve this, they often rely on chemicals to protect their crops from pests and diseases. However, the use of these chemicals comes with responsibilities, one of which is the proper disposal of pesticide containers. TerraLink is a CleanFarms Collection Site for empty chemical containers up to 23L, totes and drums. But before you can drop your empties off at one of our locations, you have to prepare them. Properly rinsing agricultural chemical containers before recycling is a simply yet crucial step that can have significant environmental and safety benefits.
- Residues of chemicals left in these containers can contaminate soil and water sources, potentially harming nearby plants and wildlife. Not rinsing empty containers properly may mean you are not meeting pest control guidelines which could lead to potential fines.
- Don't leave money behind! Rinsing the empties properly will make sure you use up all of your expensive product to the last drop.
- Pesticides are designed to be toxic to pests, but they can also be harmful to humans if not handled properly. Residual chemicals left in containers can expose workers to unnecessary risks during the disposal process. Please consider the safety of workers handling the empties when they are not properly rinsed, on your farm as well as at the collection sites and the recycling plant.
- Properly rinsing chemical containers before returning them is essential for the recycling process and allows for more sustainable packaging practices, reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
Unsure how to properly rinse the empties? There are three acceptable practices:
Properly rinsing chemical containers is a simple yet critical practice that every farmer and professional grower should adopt. It not only protects the environment, but it also ensures compliance with regulations, enhances worker safety, and supports sustainable packaging practices. By taking the extra step to properly clean and dispose of pesticide containers, farmers and growers can contribute to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable agricultural industry.
What about leftover and unwanted pesticides and livestock medications?
There is a special collection date this year when you can drop off unused chemicals and livestock medication at our Abbotsford location. This year's collection date is October 12, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.