03/25/08 Pesticide Disposal

Pesticide Disposal. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. It's spring clean up time again and for farmers that can include some rather nasty chemicals including pesticides. The Washington State Department of Ag has scheduled a couple of disposal events according to spokesperson, Mike Louisell. LOUISELL: The Yakima event for waste disposal is taking place on May 19 and 20, a two day event and there'll be a one day event May 22 in Wenatchee to pick up agricultural and commercial grade pesticides that are no longer needed by the regions farmers, businesses or landowners that are looking to dispose of some unwanted pesticides. The WSDA is asking you to call in advance. LOUISELL: We do ask participants who are thinking about disposing of pesticides to call the State Department of Agriculture by March 31 even though the events don't take place until mid-May. That gives us time to work with them about what type of inventory they're bringing in. Louisell says there are a number of reasons that pesticides need to be disposed of and this gives producers a chance to get rid of the materials. LOUISELL: It is free and it does help them manage their sheds and their barns and this and that and help clean things out is they don't need the pesticide any longer. If you have questions, visit the WSDA web site for more information. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.