Pesticide Disposal Program Hits Milestone with 1 Million Pounds Collected

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Sep 10 2014 6:20 PM

MONTGOMERY, AL— Last week the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Waste Pesticide Disposal Clean Day Program surpassed 1 million pounds collected since the program began in 1994. At a collection day in Henry County the program needed 48,050 pounds to hit the 1 million pounds. Instead, agricultural producers dropped off 72,665 pounds for disposal.

 “Alabama was an early leader in helping farmers dispose of unwanted pesticides,” said Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan.   “Old pesticides can become a safety hazard and environmental liability through long-term storage in barns and other areas around the farm.  Twenty years ago, farmers had very few options for responsible management of pesticides that were phased out by manufacturers, cancelled for use, or just too old and unusable.”

“The program is paid for through grant money and has never had a stable funding source,” said Tony Cofer, the program’s director since its inception. “We work diligently to secure funding to offer this service to the farmers free of charge and we are excited to reach this million-pound milestone.”

The program rotates collection days among all 67 counties so that each county has a collection day opportunity. Collections are handled in partnership with county Alabama Cooperative Extension System offices.  In special situations, ag department staff will go to a home or farm to assist with materials.

This program provides a way for unwanted pesticides to be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly way. “This program is truly beneficial for Alabama,” McMillan said. “Many states do not have a program like this one, and we feel like this is the right thing to do in helping our farmers. Our program helps make sure these products are collected and disposed of in a way that protects our land and water resources.”

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