A second date has been set to collect and properly dispose of unwanted pesticides from agricultural producers in the state.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) says on Saturday, April 2, unwanted pesticides can be brought to the St. Landry Recycling Center in Opelousas as part of the department's Unwanted Pesticide Pick-Up Program.
The center will be open for pesticide pickup from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm.
“Last fall, 37.6 tons of pesticides and chemicals were picked up at a location in Winnsboro, La.,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M. “This program not only helps our ag producers but also helps protect people and the environment in Louisiana by properly disposing of these items.”
Items eligible for the program include partially full containers of pesticides and pesticide products that are canceled or expired.
The LDAF says the program is being conducted at various locations in the state and will continue on an annual basis.
There is no cost to the farmer and is completely anonymous.
Currently individuals in Louisiana wishing to dispose of pesticide products must contact a licensed contractor and pay a fee for disposal, according to the LDAF.
The program is funded through fees associated with pesticide manufacturers’ product registrations in Louisiana. All pesticides offered for sale in Louisiana must be registered annually with the LDAF.
A licensed contractor has been retained by the LDAF for the program. The contractor will assume all responsibility for pesticide products delivered to the designated locations and for disposal.
