Rinsing and Recycling Pesticide Containers

The information in this brochure is provided as a service by the MSU Cooperative Extension Service Pesticide Education office and the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Recycling: One Answer to the Disposal Problem

Pesticide containers that are disposed of improperly can contaminate our environment. When pesticide containers are taken to approved landfills, the materials the container was made from are not reused. Container disposal is becoming more difficult because the number of approved landfills continues to decline and open burning of pesticide containers is not legal in Michigan.

Recycling allows the container materials to be reused, which saves resources, reduces demand for landfill space, and shows all of Michigan that you, as a pesticide applicator, are concerned about the environment and are doing what you can to protect it.

Why Rinse Pesticide Containers?

Rinsing containers immediately and adding the rinsate to the spray mixture reduces environmental risks. Italso ensures that all the pesticide you paid for is used to control pests.

Some pesticides will solidify and become difficult to remove if not rinsed from the container immediately.

Proper rinsing is required by federal and state regulations.

Two Ways to Rinse

There are two approved methods of rinsing pesticide containers: triple rinsing and pressure rinsing.

Triple Rinsing

Triple rinsing can be used with plastic, non- pressurized metal and glass containers.

How to Triple Rinse:

1. Remove the cover from the container. Empty the pesticide into the spray tank and let the container drain for 30 seconds.

2. Fill the empty container about 1/4 full with water and replace the cap securely.

3. Shake the container to rinse all inside surfaces.

4. Remove the cap, pour the rinsate into the spray tank and let it drain for 30 seconds or more.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 two more times.

6. Inspect the container to make sure it is clean.

Pressure Rinsing

Pressure rinsing forces remaining pesticide from containers by using a special nozzle attached to the end of a hose. It may be faster and easier than triple rinsing and can be used with plastic and non-pressurized metal pesticide containers.

Pressure rinse nozzles

How to Pressure Rinse:

1. Remove the cover from the container. Empty the pesticide into the spray tank and let the container drain for 30 seconds.

2. Insert the pressure rinse nozzle by puncturing the lower side of the container.

3. Hold the container upside down over the spray tank with the cap removed. Allow pressurized water to clean the inside surfaces while the rinsate flows into the spray tank.

4. Rinse the container for at least 30 seconds making sure to rotate the nozzle so that it rinses all the inside surfaces.

5. Inspect the container after rinsing to make sure it is clean.

Triple rinsing and pressure rinsing remove over 99 percent of the pesticide residues in a container. A properly rinsed container contains no visible residues on the inside or outside.

Remember to rinse containers immediately for best results. Always wear protecti ve clothing while rinsing pesticide containers.

When you bring containers to recycling collection site they should be:

- Pressure or triple rinsed.

- Containers completely clean inside and out.

- Caps removed (the plastic is different and cannot be recycled).

- Remove all paper labels, sleeves and foil seals from containers.

Remember

- Read and follow all label instructions.

- Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment when working with pesticides.

- Never reuse a pesticide container for any purpose.

- Recycle and/or dispose of all pesticide containers properly.

- Use a back-flow prevention device when filling spray tanks or rinsing pesticide containers.

- Only properly rinsed containers can be recycled.

- Rinsing pesticide containers is required by law.

For more information on recycling pesticide containers: call the Michigan Department of Agriculture (5 17-335-6838) or your county Cooperative Extension Service office.

MSU is an affirmative-action equal-opportunity institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, age, or religion. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economic, acts of May 8, and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S Department of Agriculture. Gail Imig, Michigan State University Extension. Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824.

This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names docs not imply endorsement by the Michigan State University Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be reprinted verbatim with credit to MSU. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company.
AM95-New-9:92-5M- TCM-JP-Price 25 cents, single copy free to Michigan residents. File 27.5.1 (Pesticides).