ARS | Publication request: REDUCING PESTICIDE WASTE

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 17, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Pesticides play an important role in producing the abundant high-quality food we all enjoy, and are likely to remain the primary means for controlling pests for many years. However, improper handling, application, or disposal of pesticides poses substantial danger to human health and the environment. There is no practical and cost-effective way to dispose of pesticides. Although pesticides are considered hazardous wastes and should be disposed of at hazardous waste disposal sites, this type of disposal is not a long-term solution. The best strategy for dealing with any waste is elimination. Hence, any reduction in pesticide waste is a positive step toward protecting the environment from contamination. This publication presents several practices that will help reduce or eliminate pesticide waste.