The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is launching a program to collect unwanted pesticides from agricultural producers across the state who need assistance disposing of them properly.
This fall, the LDAF will be taking these unwanted items which will include partially full containers of pesticides and pesticide products that are canceled or expired.
The Unwanted Pesticide Pick-Up Program will be conducted at various locations in the state on an annual basis.
LDAF says that there is no cost to the farmer, and it is completely anonymous for those who wish to participate. The only pesticide collection program in Louisiana was conducted by LDAF in 1996. Upon completion of the project, the department had collected approximately 200 tons of unused pesticides.
“Agricultural producers tend to accumulate pesticides over time due to partially full containers being held for later use or that don’t contain enough product to complete an application,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M. “The goal of the program is to assist Louisiana agricultural producers in properly disposing of unwanted pesticides and to ensure that human health and the environment in Louisiana are protected.”
Currently in Louisiana, an individual wishing to dispose of pesticide products must contact a licensed contractor for disposal, which results in a costly fee based on pounds of product submitted for disposal.
The cost of the program will be funded through fees associated with pesticide manufacturers’ product registrations in Louisiana.
LSU AgCenter extension agents will assist LDAF in compiling an inventory of pesticide products in each parish. The inventory list will provide valuable information regarding the quantity and types of pesticides that need to be properly disposed. Information gathered from the inventory will enable LDAF to determine the best drop-off locations across the state. The drop-off locations and date are expected to be announced in late September.
