Pesticide Disposal: What Farmers and Businesses Need to Know

Pesticides are widely used across many industries, especially in agriculture. As we move into and through the growing season, more farms and businesses are applying pesticides to protect crops and maintain production. However, when it comes time to dispose of leftover or expired pesticides, it’s important to do so safely and in full compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.

ADCO Environmental Services, LLC provides nationwide pesticide disposal services, including pesticide waste collection, transportation, and disposal. If you’re storing unusable pesticides and aren’t sure how to handle them, we can help. Call us today at 877-254-2326.

What Are Pesticides?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a pesticide as any substance or mixture intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or control pests. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, disinfectants, and more. These chemicals play a key role in agriculture, landscaping, public health, and many other sectors, however, because they are designed to kill or disrupt biological processes, they are regulated as hazardous substances.

Why Are Pesticides Regulated?

Pesticides can pose serious risks to human health, our pet’s health, and the environment if not handled or stored properly. When these chemicals are no longer usable due to expiration, damage to their containers, or overstock, they must be managed as a hazardous waste in many cases. To reduce risk, pesticides are regulated under several federal laws:

• The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) – Governs the registration, sale, distribution, and usage of pesticides.
• The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) – Sets residue limits for pesticides in food and animal products.
• The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) – Requires stricter safety standards and routine re-evaluation of pesticide tolerances.

All pesticides must be registered with the USEPA before they can be manufactured or sold. The USEPA also has the authority to revoke or suspend pesticide registrations if they are found to pose unreasonable risks.

How Should Pesticide Waste Be Handled?

Pesticides that are expired, banned, or no longer usable should never be poured down drains, dumped on the ground, or thrown in the trash! Improper disposal can lead to contamination of soil and water and may result in large regulatory fines.

Depending on the product and the amount being disposed of, unused pesticides may be considered hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). If so, they must be handled by a licensed hazardous waste disposal company like ADCO Environmental Services, LLC.

Can Pesticides Be Treated as Universal Waste?

In some cases, certain unused pesticides may qualify as universal waste. This classification can make it easier for businesses to manage and dispose of pesticide waste without going through the full hazardous waste process, however, eligibility depends on whether the pesticide is part of a suspended or cancelled USEPA registration and whether it is subject to recall. Our team can determine if your pesticide waste qualifies for a universal waste classification and can provide proper disposal options to you.

Who Needs Pesticide Disposal Services?

ADCO Environmental Services, LLC works with a wide range of clients that generate pesticide waste, including:

• Farmers and agricultural producers
• Landscaping and lawn care companies
• Greenhouses and nurseries
• Golf courses
• Municipal parks, recreational departments, local government, state government, and federal government agencies
• Pest control professionals

Whether you have a small supply of outdated product or a large stockpile requiring removal, we provide safe, efficient pickup and disposal services anywhere in The United States.

Why Choose ADCO Environmental Services, LLC?

• Nationwide Coverage – We offer pesticide disposal services throughout the United States.
• Fully Permitted – We are licensed to handle and transport hazardous waste, including regulated pesticides.
• Customized Solutions – We work with you to create a disposal plan that meets your needs and regulatory requirements.
• Experienced Team – Our knowledgeable staff understands the complexities of pesticide regulations and can help you stay compliant.

Schedule Your Pesticide Disposal Today

If you have pesticide waste that needs to be removed, now is the time to act. With the growing season underway, many agricultural businesses are reassessing their chemical inventories. Let ADCO Environmental Services, LLC help you stay safe and compliant.

Call 877-254-2326 today to speak with a member of our team or visit to contact us and learn more about our nationwide services.