Pesticides

Illegal in Garbage, Recycling & Drains
Special Instructions

If pesticide rigid plastic bottles still have chemicals inside, they are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly at a hazardous waste facility. One local facility is: 

Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
889A Devlin Road, American Canyon  | 1-800-984-9661
Every Friday & Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM
Households: no appointment or fees
Business: appointment only; fees charged

If the rigid bottle is empty, please put the lid back on and put it into your blue recycling cart. 

storm drain

Never Pour Down the Drain

Pesticides should never be poured down the drain because they contain toxic chemicals that will contaminate waterways. Instead, dispose of them as hazardous waste.

NO-sprinkler

Don't Water the Grass After

Absolutely do not water the grass after applying garden chemicals. This runoff ends up in storm drains that feed directly into nearby lakes and rivers. It also reduces the effectiveness of your pesticides.

NO-rain

Don't Use if It's Going to Rain

Avoid using chemicals before a storm. If you do, they will wash down storm drains and into nearby waterways when it rains.

Rinse Empty Concentrate Containers

According to federal regulations, containers that held concentrate need to be rinsed out three times before they are thrown in the trash: First, add remaining spray from the container to the tank. Second, add water into the container, swirl and then transfer that to the spray tank as well. Finally, repeat these steps twice. Find more detailed instructions here. If you wait to rinse a container, the mixture may dry and become difficult to remove.

latex-gloves

Wear PPE

Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides.

NO-water

Ready-to-Use Containers

Empty containers that held ready-to-use chemicals can be thrown in the garbage without rinsing them out.

Ways to Reduce

Use Up Completely

The best way to dispose of pesticides is to use them up completely, which reduces how much can leach into the environment. If you’re not going to use them up completely, try giving them away to a friend or neighbor.

NO-concentrate

Avoid Purchasing Concentrate

Consider purchasing ready-to-use products. Purchasing concentrations to dilute on your own can expose the body to harmful chemicals. Also the use of under-diluted chemicals is more damaging to the air, water and soil.

Use Bait Stations or Insecticidal Soaps

Identify your pest problem and use the least toxic option to eliminate those pests (if you must use garden chemicals). Consider using bait stations or insecticidal soaps and oils. Find out more.

Did You Know?