The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry funds a program to collect and properly dispose of unwanted pesticides that applicators, farmers, or citizens may have and need disposed of properly. 

 

Pesticide Disposal Dates

 

 

Safe Transportation Tips

Transport Tips (PDF version)

• Inspect All Unwanted Pesticides to See That They Are Securely Packaged
  Only transport containers that are secure. If the container is questionable and 5 gallons or smaller, carefully pack within another container for transport such as a plastic bucket or Rubbermaid container. If you have items larger than five gallons and are questionable contact Charles Luper, OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program, at (405) 744-5808 for transportation options before moving the containers.
• Wear the Protective Clothing and Protective Equipment (Goggles, Gloves, Respirator, etc.) Described on Product Labels When Handling Pesticides
  At a minimum, wear a long sleeved shirt buttoned at the wrist, a pair of chemical-resistant gloves, preferably a chemically resistant apron, rubber boots, goggles and a hat.
• Line Storage Area of Transport Vehicle With Plastic
  Line the storage area of the transport vehicle with plastic sheeting to contain any spillage that might occur and therefore simplify cleanup and decontamination. Do not transport pesticides in areas occupied by passengers. If at all possible transport to the site in the back of a pickup or alternately in the trunk of a car. Avoid exposure to humans and animals.
• Carry Absorbent Material
  If you are transporting liquid materials carry absorbent materials such as kitty litter in case of breakage or spillage. Have spill control materials available. For example, a 10-pound bag of commercially available safety absorbent, a shovel and a container for spilled material collected with the absorbent and contaminated soil may be useful in control and cleanup of a spill involving a small amount of material. Bring any spilled materials with you to the collection site for disposal.
• Brace Containers In Vehicle
  This will prevent unnecessary shifting which could result in container damage and leakage.
• This will prevent unnecessary shifting which could result in container damage and leakage.
  Loads hauled in an open pickup truck should be covered. All containers should be kept dry during transport. Loads in open vehicles such as pick-up trucks should be covered in the event of rainfall.
• Please Drive Carefully
  You are responsible for any spillage, damage, subsequent cleanup and restoration that might occur while you are transporting the unwanted pesticides. The state and its contractors are not responsible for any spillage that occurs before the unwanted pesticides are accepted for transport at the collection site.
• Drive Directly to the Pesticide Collection Site
  After you load your vehicle, avoid unnecessary travel when transporting pesticides.

   

  Direct additional safety questions to OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program at (405) 744-5808 or the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry at (405) 522-5993.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Oklahoma Unwanted Pesticide Disposal program?
  Because it may be complicated and expensive for individuals to dispose of pesticide waste, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is funding a  program to collect and properly dispose of unwanted pesticides that farmers, homeowners, commercial applicators, or dealers may have.
• What are unwanted pesticides?
  When pesticides become unusable as originally intended for various reasons, they are considered unwanted pesticides. Unwanted pesticides can result from both good and bad management practices. Leftover pesticides that have a limited shelf life may undergo changes rendering them unusable.

   

  Pesticides also become unusable when they are no longer registered in the state of Oklahoma. Waste pesticides can also result from lost labels and pesticides are no longer identifiable.
• Who is responsible for proper disposal of unwanted pesticides?
  Any person, company, or organization that purchases or controls a pesticide is held legally responsible for proper use, handling, storage, and disposal. For more information, contact the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.

   

  It is illegal to bury, burn, or discard a pesticide or its container in a manner inconsistent with instructions found on the label.
• How are unwanted pesticides properly disposed?
  Because of the inherent hazards associated with most unusable pesticides, disposal at a permitted hazardous waste facility is the appropriate disposal practice. Licensed hazardous waste companies can properly dispose of unusable wastes. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry has contracted Clean Earth a licensed hazardous waste company to collect and properly dispose of waste pesticides in Oklahoma.
• How does the Oklahoma Unwanted Pesticide Collection Program work?
  The basic process for the Oklahoma Unwanted Pesticide Collection Program is as follows:

  • Dealers are asked pre-register unusable pesticides with Stericycle through the Oklahoma State University Pesticide Safety Education Program. Due to the potential of large quantities coming from multiple dealers this allows Clean Earth to plan the appropriate resources to handle the quantity of pesticides that comes into the collections.
  • Participant or the participant's decided brings pesticide(s) to the collection site transported as product - not hazardous waste
  • The pesticide is turned over to Clean Earth , the licensed hazardous waste contractor, that assumes ownership of the waste
  • Clean Earth , the hazardous waste contractor, is responsible for packaging, transporting, and disposing the waste pesticide
• Who is eligible to participate and what does it cost?
  Oklahoma commercial and non-commercial applicators and pesticide dealers may participate. All Oklahoma farmers and ranchers and homeowners are also eligible to participate. There is no cost for the first 2,000 pounds of pesticides brought by a participant. Anything over 2,000 pounds will be charged to the participant.

   

  Liquid pesticide weighs about 10 pounds per gallon.
• What materials are eligible for collection?
  The program will collect and dispose of most unusable pesticides. Fertilizers, waste oil, paints, and any other non-pesticide material will not be accepted.
• What should happen to pesticides with a missing label or unknown pesticides?
  Pesticides with a missing label or unknown pesticides can be accepted into the disposal program. In most cases, the hazardous waste contractor can characterize the waste at the collection site. Large volumes of an unknown pesticide may require analysis before acceptance into the disposal collection. The participant should be reasonably sure that the unknown material is a pesticide, and provide any other information about the material.
• When and where will there by a collection in my area?
   Please keep checking this website for future dates and locations.
• What should be done with leaking containers holding unwanted pesticides?
  Containers 5 gallon and smaller can be placed in a plastic bucket or Rubbermaid container to be transported. If you have containers larger than 5 gallons please contact Charles Luper OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program at (405) 744-5808 for transportation options before moving the containers.
• What are the steps to participate in the collection program?
  Dealers are asked to pre-register with Stericycle through the OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program. Applicators,homeowners, farmers, and ranchers do not require pre-registration. After registration, if required, bring unwanted pesticides safely to one of the collection sites. Visit the OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program for information and how to register.
• Why are dealers asked to pre-register?
  Dealers are asked to pre-register due to the potential of large quantities coming from multiple dealers and/or multiple locations. This allows Clean Earth to plan the appropriate resources to handle the quantity of pesticides that comes into the collections.   Dealer Registration Form
• Are the program participants liable after the pesticide has been accepted by the disposal program?
  Under the terms of the program rules, the disposal contractor becomes the hazardous waste generator with cradle-to-grave liability for ownership of the waste. In addition, all pesticides accepted will be disposed of at an Environmental Protection Agency licensed facility to reduce possible future pollution liability. These procedures significantly reduce participant liability from future claims, but do not eliminate it completely.
• Will the department use my participation my participation in the programs as a means to prosecute for illegal management of pesticides?
  No; the disposal program is a service program designed to remove unusable pesticides from storage and reduce the potential threat to public health and the environment and participants in this program will not be prosecuted for illegal management practices.

 

Collection Results

Collections since 2006.