Old or unwanted pesticides need to be dealt with according to the product and material actually present. Before old pesticide is used, its current authorisation and permitted use should be confirmed. Unwanted or unusable stock needs a suitable disposal process.
Pesticide Disposal
Pesticide disposal for unwanted products, old stock, diluted mixtures and existing contaminated residues.
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Separate pesticide waste streams
Concentrate, diluted mixtures, rinsate and packaging can require different handling.
Unclear product labels
Unreadable labels mean the contents need identification before routine collection.
Concentrates, diluted mixtures and rinsate
Concentrated product, diluted pesticide and existing rinsate can have different compositions and should remain separately identified. Dilution does not turn pesticide waste into ordinary water, and contaminated liquid should not be poured into drainage as a disposal method.
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Old labels and unidentified stock
Product names, approval references and store information can help identify old containers without unnecessary handling. Where a label is unreadable, the contents remain uncertain until suitable evidence is available. Guessing the product from container shape, colour or age is not a safe substitute.
Packaging and store clearances
A pesticide store clearance may include obsolete concentrate, rinsate and contaminated packaging at the same time. Keeping these materials distinct allows each to be handled appropriately. Previously rinsed packaging should still be considered in the light of the product it contained and the way it was cleaned.
Pesticide Disposal: common questions
Can obsolete pesticides be used up instead of disposed of?
Only where the product remains authorised and the proposed use is lawful and appropriate. Otherwise unwanted stock needs a suitable disposal process.
Can diluted pesticide waste be poured into drainage?
No. Diluted pesticide remains contaminated waste and should not be disposed of through drainage.
What if an old container label is unreadable?
Existing stock information can support assessment, but uncertain contents must not be assigned a guessed product identity.
Does a faded label mean the pesticide is harmless?
No. Age and unreadable markings do not remove the need for assessment.
Can rinsing create more waste to manage?
Yes. Pesticide-contaminated rinsate needs an appropriate controlled disposal process.