For 20 years, Oklahoma State University Extension and the Unwanted Pesticide Disposal Program have partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to help people dispose of unwanted pesticides safely.
Three free, unwanted pesticide disposal events are planned to help Oklahomans continue to properly dispose of pesticides. Unwanted pesticides are unusable as originally intended for various reasons, including those that are left over or no longer registered in Oklahoma, those that lack labels or those that contain chemicals that are no longer identifiable.
Farmers, ranchers, commercial and non-commercial applicators, pesticide dealers and homeowners may bring up to 2,000 pounds of pesticides to the drop-off sites for proper disposal at no charge. A fee is required if the amount of pesticide exceeds 2,000 pounds. Pesticide dealers are required to pre-register due to the potential for large quantities to be brought in from multiple dealers or locations. Participants are asked to bag all leaking or broken containers to prevent spills. Limit bagged solid material to 50 pounds per bag.
The free events will take place, rain or shine, at:
- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 28, Sequoyah County Fairgrounds, 464101 E. 1070 Rd., Sallisaw
- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 29, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 1023 W. 15th St., Chandler
- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 30, Roger Mills County Fairgrounds, 300 Fair Barn Rd., Cheyenne
Since 2006, more than 1.597 million pounds of pesticides have been properly disposed of during the Unwanted Pesticide Disposal Days, preventing the chemicals from running into rivers, streams, landfills, storm drains and illegal roadside dumps. People cleaning out garages, barns and storage buildings can use this opportunity to safely dispose of old pesticides. It is unlawful to bury, burn or discard a pesticide or its container in a manner inconsistent with instructions found on the label.
Participants must transport their pesticides to one of the collection sites. Pick-up services are not available. Read these safe transportation tips before bringing chemicals to the drop-off site. Remember, only pesticides will be accepted at the sites. No fertilizer, paint, oil, etc., will be taken.
For more information, visit the OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program website or contact Charles Luper, OSU Extension associate, at 405-744-5808.
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
