Tuesday, June 30, 2015

2015 Pesticide Disposal Program


Since NMDA started a pesticide disposal program over 8 years ago, thousands of pounds of unwanted chemicals have been collected and disposed of safely. Disposing of canceled, banned or unwanted agricultural and commercial pesticides poses a significant challenge to agricultural producers and other pesticide users due to its high cost, but proper disposal eliminates a potential threat to health and the environment.
NMDA’s program provides free, safe disposal of unwanted pesticides to agricultural producers, pesticide dealers, pest control firms, golf courses, government agencies, and homeowners. Annual fees paid by manufacturers and distributors to register their pesticides in New Mexico cover all costs. NMDA rotates collections around the state, holding events in different communities each year to reach New Mexicans in all geographical areas.

How To Participate


Only pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, weed-and-feed products, etc.) are eligible to be disposed of under this program. After you’ve gathered your unwanted pesticides, try to identify any which do not have a legible label. Place any leaky or broken bags or containers in a containment bag or drum liner so they will not contaminate your vehicle. You must get them safely to the collection site so make sure your load is secure and will not shift during transport.
At the collection site trained and equipped personnel will unload your vehicle, re-package your pesticides, and load them on their trucks for transport to an approved hazardous waste disposal site. No personal information will be collected but you will be asked to fill out a brief, anonymous survey as a condition of your participation.
If you have questions please call Irene King at 575-646-2133.

Safety Precautions


§ Don’t eat, drink or smoke while handling pesticides!

§ Wear appropriate protective gear when handling pesticides, especially any broken or fragile containers.

§ If possible, identify any pesticides whose labels are not clear with a sticky label, marker or similar.

§ Leaking or broken packages, whether dry or liquid, should be placed in a sturdy plastic bag, 5-gallon bucket, plastic bin, drum or other container that will contain any leaks.

§ Brace or tie down items in your truck or in the trunk of your car to prevent shifting while en route.

§ Drive directly to the collection site after your pesticides are securely loaded. Drive carefully, please! You are responsible for any spills and clean up on your way to the collection site.

§ Please stay clear during unloading to ensure your safety as well as that of the workers on site.

 

2015 Disposal Events


Portales – August 3  8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Roosevelt County Fairgrounds
705 East Lime Street

Artesia – August 6  8:00 AM – 3:00  PM
Eddy County Fairgrounds
3402 South 13th Street

Las Cruces – August 10 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Performance Agriculture
1946 Anthony Drive, Anthony, NM

Albuquerque – August 13  8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bernalillo County Extension Office
1510 Menaul Blvd NW

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