Container Recycling Operation

What is the empty pesticide container-recycling program?

The program has recently been named Pesticide CONTAINER RECYCLING Program. This program was started several years ago by the agricultural chemical industry and has since evolved into a joint program that today consists of a mobile, self-contained chippers. These chipping units are mounted on a diesel powered, flatbed truck, as is the generator to power the chipper.

How do I participate in the program?

You can participate by contacting the Department of Agriculture in your county or Interstate Ag Plstics. Many of the Ag Commissioners throughout the state will be conducting collection where you will be able to bring your clean containers for inclusion in the program. As a schedule is formed, it will be included on this web site
as well.

What type of containers can I bring in for recycling?

All containers for crop production materials can be recycled, including pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, etc.), fertilizer, plant and soil amendments, buffering solutions, and similar containers Animal care products.

We cannot accept motor oil containers, milk jugs, or other household products.

What do I need to do to prepare my containers for recycling?

The most important item is that the containers must be clean. They need to either be triple rinsed or power rinsed. Past experience with the program indicates power rinsing, when feasible, is the best method for cleaning containers. In any event, there cannot be any residue left either in or on the containers.

Adhesive labels do not have to be removed when cleaning containers. However, the label booklets and all metal/rubber gaskets do need to be removed. If you do not have the time to remove these items when you use the chemicals they can be removed later or at the time we chip the containers up. This does slow the chipping process considerably.

What size containers can be chipped?

The chipper can recycle any size container but those larger than five gallons need to be cut in order to accommodate the chipper opening which is 18 inches high by 32 inches wide. To date, the program has chipped containers ranging in size from a few ounces to 55 gallons. Fifty-five and thirty gallon containers need to be cut to fit the chipper as well. Thick walled 5 gallon containers must also be cut. As a reminder containers of all sizes must be clean.

How do I sponsor a collection day?

Contact us and a time will be scheduled that is convenient for you and will result in the most efficient use of the mobile chipper.