The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is encouraging farmers and agrichemical facilities across the state to participate in a free agrichemical container recycling program, set to begin in mid-July and continue through August. The program provides a responsible and convenient way for participants to dispose of empty pesticide containers, which are recycled to produce shipping pallets.
“Each year, this program gives farmers and agrichemical facilities an easy way to responsibly dispose of empty pesticide containers,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “Instead of ending up in the trash, these containers can be brought to a nearby collection site and handled the right way.”
Only high-density polyethylene, #2 plastic agrichemical containers that are clean and dry will be accepted. Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible. Participants are required to rinse containers, remove all caps, valves, metal, labels, booklets, and foil seals, and cut off the top and bottom of plastic drums, as well as cut the side of the drum from top to bottom.
Mini-Bulk and Intermediate Bulk containers can also be recycled through the program. Mini Bulk (cage) containers must be cut into separate top, bottom, and sides, with all fittings and metal or wood discarded. Intermediate Bulk Containers should be cut into one-foot square pieces, with fittings discarded. G. Phillips and Sons, LLC provides a year-round collection service for these larger containers; interested parties can call 678-232-6047 for more information.
This recycling initiative is a cooperative effort, involving the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, G. Phillips and Sons, LLC, Illinois Farm Bureau, and University of Illinois Extension.
Local Collection Dates and Locations:
Wayne County: July 20th at Wabash Valley Service Company in Ellery (Contact: Ken Ochs, 618-516-1697)
Effingham County: July 21st at Effingham Equity in Montrose (Contact: 217-254-1435)
Fayette County: July 21st at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Vandalia (Contact: Dylan Reeter, 618-780-8663)
All collection sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For a free brochure about the program, call the Illinois Department of Agriculture toll-free at 1-800-641-3934.