Kerry Richards, Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator; kerryr@udel.edu
What do you do if you have old, unwanted pesticides around your operation? The uncertainty of legal requirements, and the elimination of chlorpyrifos without giving growers the ability to use up existing stocks, along with the risk of storage or disposal for pesticides leave limited, cost effective, available options to dispose of inventories. Farmers, commercial applicators, nurseries, greenhouses, golf courses, and pest control businesses can qualify for the free removal of up to 500 pounds or 50 gallons of pesticides through the Delaware Department of Agriculture Environmental Sweep Program (ESP). If you have more than 500 pounds or 50 gallons, it can still be removed at a reduced cost by DDA’s waste disposal contractor and may even be removed for free if the program funding is not yet exhausted.
It is FREE and simple!
Just fill out an ESP Inventory Form
Return the ESP form to DDA by mail or via email Jimmy Hughes
DDA will do a site visit to confirm the inventory on the form (If you are like our farm, that was a good thing because we found some pesticides to add to the list AFTER we sent the list!)
Once DDA confirms and approves ESP Inventory form, a hauler will come right to where the pesticides are stored, load them up, and take them away!
Afraid there is a catch, or a potential enforcement action? Since 2013 DDA has collected approx. 145,000lbs at over 300 locations. This program is strictly amnesty. Not one participant has been fined or any enforcement actions have been taken against them. Zero Zilch None!
For additional information about the Environmental Sweep Program (EPS)
Environmental Sweep Program – Delaware Department of Agriculture – State of Delaware