Minnesotans disposed of more than 18 tons of waste pesticides

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) helped hundreds of Minnesotans safely dispose of more than 18 tons of unwanted, unusable or out-of-date pesticides in 2012 through its Waste Pesticide Collection program.

The program is funded by a surcharge paid to MDA by pesticide registrants, and the collection and disposal were provided at no cost to any of the participants.

In addition to eliminating the 18 tons of agricultural waste pesticides, MDA worked with counties to collect and remove more than 103 tons of household waste pesticides so far this year. Under an agreement with the state and most Minnesota counties, MDA pays for transportation, disposal and other costs.

MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson said the program gives homeowners, farmers and others a safe and convenient option for disposing of waste pesticides.

For more information, call the local solid waste office or visit www.mda.state.mn.us and enter the term “waste pesticide collection” into the search field near the top of the page.

Tags: local news, state news, news, waste, pesticides