How to Transport & Dispose of Pesticides

Tips for pesticide transport & disposal

• The photo shows pesticides in a box in the trunk of the car, and groceries being loaded into the back seat of the car.
• While transporting pesticides, keep them separate from groceries, pet food, and animal feed. Careful transport and disposal of pesticides helps keep people and the environment from harm.

Read pesticide labels & follow the instructions

• Check pesticide product labels for the STORAGE AND DISPOSAL section.
• Follow the instructions closely.

Reduce Waste and Need FOR PESTICIDES

• Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM)  (National Pesticide Information Center) to reduce the need for pesticides.
• Identify the pest and make sure the product will be effective against that pest before you buy the product.
• Purchase only what you need the current season. Mix only what you need to complete a job.

Tips for transporting pesticides

• Keep pesticides in their original container with the label attached.
• Place containers so they won’t shift and/or spill.
• Line the transport area in your vehicle, or place pesticides in a plastic bin, to contain any spills in case of an accident.
• If pesticides are carried in the back of an open vehicle, secure and cover the load.
• Don’t put pesticides in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
• Keep pesticides away from groceries, including food for animals.
• If transporting pesticides for disposal, go straight to the collection site once you have loaded your vehicle. Drive carefully.

Tips for Pesticide disposal

• Pesticides must be disposed of properly to prevent accidents and to protect the environment. If you have unwanted pesticide products, store them safely and dispose of them as soon as you can.
• Dispose of pesticides as instructed on the product label. Look for the STORAGE AND DISPOSAL statement on your pesticide label.
• If any product remains in the container, it must be disposed of as household hazardous waste.
• After emptying a pesticide container, rinse it properly for disposal or recycling. Never reuse a pesticide container for any purpose.
• Be sure to wear protective clothing when rinsing pesticide containers, such as chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection.
• Apply rinse water according to label directions. Only use it where the pesticide was intended to be used.
• Do not pour rinse water into any drain or on any site not listed on the product label; it could contaminate the environment.
• If you have mixed or diluted a pesticide and you have a little too much left over, try to use it up while following the label. Consider asking a neighbor if that person can use any leftover mixtures.

Find a Hazardous Waste Facility

Hazardous Waste Disposal in Oregon, USA: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Services by County in Oregon  

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call  503-234-3000, email   or visit Metro's website  

Contact your local household hazardous waste location. Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides. Or talk to your state’s environmental agency to learn about pesticide disposal requirements for your area.

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT PESTICIDES

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu