Rinsing pesticide containers

Source: Missouri Household Hazardous Waste Telephone Advice Manual, April 1994, Household Hazardous Waste Project

Never pour leftover pesticides down the drain. Pesticides can interfere with the operation of the wastewater treatment plant or septic system. They may threaten our health and environment by polluting our groundwater. Never pour pesticides into storm drains. These often lead directly to area streams and rivers. Unless they are cancelled, suspended or restricted in use, pesticides should be completely used up according to label directions. Empty pesticide containers should be triple rinsed and then discarded in the trash. If a pesticide is cancelled, suspended, restricted use, chemically-deteriorated, or cannot be used, then it must be secured and held for a household hazardous waste collection.

A word of caution: This management option may cause harm to human health and the environment if the described practices are not followed carefully.

Gloves Materials Needed

Safety Precautions

Procedures for Triple Rinse

  1. Fill the empty pesticide container 1/4 full with water.

  2. Close the container tightly and shake.

  3. Apply the rinse water to the area you are treating according to label directions as if it were the pesticide, using the appropriate safety equipment and same precautions as with the pesticide.

  4. Repeat this procedure two more times. Then discard the container with the trash destined for the landfill.


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