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November 2000 |
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What Should be Done with Leftover Pesticides? |
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Disposal of Leftover Pesticides Jim Jarman |
The first option for leftover pesticides is to use them following label directions. Really, if the proper selection of pesticide and container size was made, there should no need for disposal. If there is no longer a use on your property, perhaps a neighbor has a need. Many pesticides will be stored in various places until needed next year. The first consideration concerns proper temperature requirements. Some pesticides will require storage where the temperatures remain above freezing to retain their shelf life, while others do not. The difference is based on chemical factors of the contents such as the solvents, emulsifiers, and inert ingredients used in manufacturing. Under the storage section of the label, the user may note statements such as: "do not allow to freeze," "low temperature may cause crystallization," "not sensitive to light or heat," and "extremely stable under normal conditions." There are many other important statements regarding the temperature and sometimes even light requirements concerning storage found in this section of the label. Another question concerns the shelf life of a pesticide, and as you probably suspect, this is also extremely variable. Let’s take a look at the shelf life of a few of the commonly used household pesticide active ingredients (assuming they have been stored properly). Generally, wettable powders and granules are not affected by low temperatures, however, moisture can wreak havoc on these types of materials. Caking (tombstone formation) is caused by moisture and can lead to chemical changes that may reduce their effectiveness. Keeping these materials dry should be the primary concern. Products formulated in water-soluble bags require special winter storage. They have a high affinity for moisture and become brittle when frozen. If handled while brittle, they can easily break open. Therefore these materials will not only need a dry, but heated storage area as well. So, think about storage in places that are dry and follow the "not toos"; not too hot, not too cold, and not too long. There is more detailed information available at your local University of Missouri Extension Center. If there is any doubt, always consult the pesticide label; it is the final word regarding the use of that pesticide. MU has recently published a guide that will help you understand pesticide labels. Request MU Guide G1911, Understanding the Pesticide Label, through your local University of Missouri Extension Center or by calling 1-800-292-0968. *Some common pesticides and their shelf life.
*Check the label for the contents, special handling, and further information on shelf life. Fred Fishel, Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Applicator Training Coordinator, UMC
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On a regular basis, we receive questions
concerning the options for leftover pesticides. The most common
oversight is failing to read and follow the pesticide label. Labels on
most household chemicals will contain important information on the use
and storage of the chemicals. Most often the storage and disposal
information will be found toward the end of the pesticide label.
About
once each year, we will hear of an unfortunate situation where a
pesticide was consumed from a container other than its original and
intended container. Not only pesticides, but other household materials,
such as cleaning fluids and paint thinners, to name just two, need to be
stored in their original containers. If it is necessary to transfer the
contents to a new container, the original label should be transferred
and attached as well. Try to avoid food or drink containers. The
solvents in liquid pesticides have been known to dissolve plastic
containers not designed to hold such materials. Any container that once
held a household pesticide should be triple rinsed and disposed in a
manner that children and pets will not have access to it.