H. Erdal Ozkan
Professor and Extension Agricultural Engineer
Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department
Mark L. Wilson
Wyandot County Extension Agent,
Agriculture/CNRD
Pesticide use in the United States increased from 200,000 pounds per year in the 1950s to more than 1 billion pounds per year by 1987. The dramatic increase in pesticide use brings difficulties in safe and proper disposal of pesticide-related wastes. Pesticides are largely responsible for the abundant and high-quality food supply in the United States. However, if handled or applied improperly! they may harm the environment or lead to contamination of surface and ground water resources.
Recent studies indicate that improper handling and disposal of pesticide waste are responsible for most contamination cases. Pesticide waste results from unused pesticide products, excess spray mixture, unrinsed containers, and rinse water from containers and equipment. The best strategy for dealing with waste is elimination. However, any reduction in pesticide waste will help protect water resources from pesticide contamination. Substantial reductions in pesticide waste can be accomplished legally! responsibly, and economically.
Following are recommendations for reducing pesticide waste, including information on the most common causes. More information on disposal of pesticide waste is available from your local county Extension office.
Copyright © The Ohio State University 1991
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868