How should you handle leftover liquid pesticides?

The proper handling of leftover liquid pesticides is essential for both environmental safety and regulatory compliance. The recommended method is to dispose of them at a Clean Sweep program or a hazardous waste facility. These programs are designed to safely collect and dispose of hazardous materials, ensuring that they do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.

Using a Clean Sweep program helps to prevent the potential contamination of water sources and soil that could occur with improper disposal, such as dumping them directly into a water source. This not only safeguards the environment but also complies with legal requirements for pesticide disposal. Additionally, hazardous waste facilities are equipped to manage such substances properly, minimizing the risks associated with chemical exposure and potential ecological harm.

Mixing leftover pesticides with soil or storing them indefinitely can lead to various issues, including degradation of the soil's health and long-term susceptibility to chemical exposure, which can affect plants, animals, and human health. Thus, the correct management of leftover liquid pesticides is through designated hazardous waste programs to ensure safety and compliance.