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Environmental Quality:

Farm-A-Syst Fact Sheet

The Mississippi Waste Pesticide Disposal Program

Situation

Mississippi farmers use an estimated 20.3 million pounds of agricultural pesticides each year to produce crops. Over the years, some of these pesticides become unusable for many reasons and are classified as waste pesticides. While the exact amount of these products is unknown, the accumulation of these products is a problem on many farms.

Waste pesticides may lead to water quality, environmental, and health concerns, especially when containers are deteriorating or storage is inadequate. Since waste pesticides cannot legally be used or disposed of through conventional means such as landfilling, the question of what to do with these products presents a major problem for farmers.

Extension's Response

In concert with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and other agencies, Extension planned a pilot program in early 1994 to address this problem through a waste pesticide disposal program. The program is the first of its kind in Mississippi to address the waste agricultural pesticide problem. Funds to dispose of collected materials were made available by the Mississippi legislature through pesticide registration fees paid by the manufacturer.

A six-county agricultural area in north-central Mississippi was selected for the pilot program. The goal was to reduce the amount of waste pesticides on farms and determine if such a program would be feasible in other areas of the state. Extension's role included organizational support, information coordination, and local program coordination. Local farm groups, agribusinesses, and farm supply dealers played an important role in the planning process.

Results

A one-day pilot disposal program was held in November 1994. Almost 23,000 pounds of waste agricultural pesticides were disposed of through a licensed hazardous waste contractor.

As a result of this success, the concept was expanded statewide. Five programs were held in 1995 in which 257,000 pounds of waste pesticides were disposed of properly. An additional 168,000 pounds were disposed of in 10 programs in 1996, followed by 153,000 pounds in 14 events in 1997. Programs in 1998-2000 collected 388,000 pounds, with one event disposing of more than 150,000 pounds.

Participants include current and former producers as well as others who assumed ownership of pesticide products in property transactions. Keys to participation include adequate funding, effective program outreach, limitations on participants' liability, support of farm groups, and a conveniently located collection site.

Impact

Since the program began in late 1994, the Mississippi Waste Pesticide Disposal Program has disposed of more than 989,000 pounds of waste farm pesticides in 40 collection events while reaching more than 1,000 farmers and other property owners. In addition to environmental benefits, farmers directly saved $1.23 million in pesticide disposal costs.

This program demonstrates that waste pesticide collection programs can be highly successful when properly planned, conducted and funded. The program provides a critically-needed service for farmers while reducing environmental risks associated with waste pesticides.

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