Disposing of Unwanted Fertilizer and Pesticides (2024)

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Options for disposing of unwanted or damaged fertilizer or pesticides are limited but with diligence, safe disposal is possible. Acceptable and legal options for disposal are below.

DISPOSAL OF UNWANTED, DAMAGED OR EXPIRED PESTICIDES

OPTION 1: Store until a Pesticide Collection Day is Available

North Carolina offers free disposal events for the public. Generally, these events are held within each county every 2-3 years. A listing of collection dates is found at the NCDA & CS Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program’s website.Note that in many cases, the consumer will need to store the product until the event. It should be overpacked for safety and transportation. Simply partially fill a plastic bucket with sand or cat litter. Place the unwanted pesticide in the partially filled bucket. Finish filling the bucket with the sand or cat litter and attach the lid. Label the bucket by placing tape on the lid and writing the name of the stored product on the lid.

Craven County rotates a schedule with Carteret and Jones counties for pesticide collection day events. As such, a free pesticide disposal event is normally held in one of these counties each year. Additionally, the Coastal Environmental Partnership offers free Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) collection events in Pamlico, Carteret and Craven counties.

It is preferred that pesticides be in the original container and have the original label. If the pesticide is not in its original container or is damaged, it must be over-packed in a safe, closable plastic container. Printed labels are acceptable if attached prior to delivery. Always follow these rules:

  • Leave pesticide(s) in the original container(s) with the label intact.
  • Handle containers with chemical resistant gloves and other appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after handling.
  • Handle containers in a manner to prevent spillage.

Transporting Pesticides

  • Make sure all pesticide containers are securely closed. Containers that cannot be securely closed should be packed within another container that can be securely closed.
  • Line the storage area of the transport vehicle with plastic sheeting to contain any potential spillage that might occur and simplify any cleanup and decontamination.
  • If possible, arrange the pesticides by hazard class (flammables, corrosives, oxidizers, poisons) to prevent mixing of incompatible materials should spillage occur.
  • Make sure labels are securely attached.
  • Arrange containers in your vehicle so that they are braced to prevent shifting that may result in container damage and/or leakage.
  • Keep containers dry during transport. Loads in open vehicles such as pickup trucks should be covered in the event of rainfall.
  • Do not transport pesticide wastes in a manner that will allow fumes to enter the vehicle.
  • Make a list of the pesticides that you are transporting. Include on the list the name(s) of the pesticide(s), number of containers, and hazard class (when known).
  • Drive directly to the pesticide collection program site after you load your vehicle.
  • Drive safely!

You are responsible for any spillage, damage, subsequent cleanup, and restoration that might occur while you are transporting the wastes, regardless of who caused the accident. The state, county and its contractor are not responsible for any spillage that occurs before the collection site accepts the waste. Drive safely and follow directions from those at the collection site.

OPTION 2: Give the pesticide to someone that can use it.

This is perhaps the simplest means to get rid of unwanted pesticides. Simply give to a neighbor or friend that will use it.

OPTION 3: Pay a company to dispose of it

There are many companies that provide disposal of hazardous waste. Most will require similar storage, labeling and handling as mentioned above. Too, expect to pay a high fee for disposal that may vary by amount and type of pesticide. Referral of friends, local business listing or internet searches will provide a lists of companies willing to provide this service.

DISPOSAL OF UNWANTED FERTILIZER.

FERTILIZER WITHOUT PESTICIDES

OPTION 1: Give it away!

The easiest way to dispose of fertilizer is to give it to someone that can use it. Even if the product is old it can still be used as a fertilizer. If the product was not stored properly and has become solid, dissolving the product with water or crushing will allow application to desired area. Simply ensure that the product is thinly and evenly distributed as possible at appropriate rates.

OPTION 2: Deliver to Hazardous Household Waste Event

One additional option is to simply store the fertilizer until a Hazardous Household collection day is provided. Most events even allow collection of commercial fertilizer in relatively small amounts. The Coastal Environmental Partnership offers free Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection events in Pamlico, Carteret and Craven counties.

OPTION 3: Pay a company to dispose of it.

The last option is to classify this as a hazardous waste. There are many companies that provide disposal of hazardous waste. Expect to pay a high fee for disposal that may vary by amount and type of fertilizer. Referral of friends, local business listing or internet searches will provide a lists of companies willing to provide this service.

FERTILIZERS WITH PESTICIDES

Some fertilizers have herbicides or insecticides or fungicides embedded or mixed within the fertilizer. Since these products contain pesticides, they are treated equally as pesticides. Options for disposal are identical to pesticide disposal options previously discussed.

Disposing of Unwanted Fertilizer and Pesticides (2024)

FAQs

Disposing of Unwanted Fertilizer and Pesticides? ›

To find out where to take your unwanted pesticides, contact your local household hazardous waste, call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687), or talk to your state's environmental agency.

How do you get rid of fertilizer? ›

Should you fail to find a local taker for your unused lawn fertilizer, contact a local hazardous waste service to take it. Perform a quick web search and find out if any local services are available. Your friends or neighbors may already know of a service they can recommend.

Can plant fertilizer go down the drain? ›

Disposing of pesticides and fertilizers:

Pouring garden chemicals into a storm drain, down the sink, or into the toilet pollutes water and is against the law! The only allowable way to dispose of pesticides is to use them up according to label directions, or to take them to a household hazardous waste site.

How should pesticides be applied and disposed? ›

Triple-rinse immediately after last application or the pesticide product may become difficult to remove. Although the label may indicate that a pesticide container can be disposed of by wrapping in newspaper and placing in the trash, we highly recommend using the HHW collection program in your area.

How to get rid of excess herbicide? ›

Disposing of Full Herbicide Containers

The only legal way to dispose of this waste is to work with an accredited hazardous waste removal company. The waste company will handle hauling and disposal in a responsible, environmentally friendly manner.

What can I do with excess fertilizer? ›

When you realize you've over fertilized, immediately flood the garden. A good watering with a drip cleaner in your irrigation system can move many types of fertilizer from the soil. Saturate your garden with a volume of water equivalent to the cubic area of the fertilized area.

Is it OK to dissolve fertilizer in water? ›

Water solubility measures how much of a given ingredient can be effectively dissolved and absorbed. The excellent news for lawn fertilizers is that both granular and liquid fertilizers are water-soluble, though they may require different steps before or after lawn application.

What to do with old bags of fertilizer? ›

Fertilizers that do not contain herbicides (weed killer), or insecticides (bug killer) may be disposed of as a solid waste in the garbage. If you are in doubt, please dispose of it as a hazardous waste.

Does fertilizer dissolve into soil? ›

Typically, most granular fertilizers dissolve within 24 to 48 hours, although the specific formula and brand can influence the dissolution time. It is important to read the packaging instructions for a more precise understanding of the specific formula you're working with.

Are pesticides hazardous waste? ›

Some, but not all, pesticides are regulated as hazardous waste when disposed. Read more about hazardous waste disposal. The Universal Waste regulations ease requirements for certain hazardous wastes, including pesticides, for those who generate and transport them.

Who is responsible for disposing of any leftover or unused pesticide? ›

Check with your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency or health department to find out whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program or a similar program for getting rid of unwanted, leftover pesticides.

What should you first do in a large pesticide spill situation? ›

Control the Spill

Stop the spill or leak immediately. If a container, bag, sprayer, or spreader turns over, return it to an upright position. If a small container is leaking, place the container directly into a larger chemical resistant container to stop further release.

How do you deal with pesticides? ›

Use protective measures when handling pesticides as directed by the label, such as wearing impermeable gloves, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts. Change clothes and wash your hands immediately after applying pesticides.

How to get rid of chemical fertilizers? ›

Wrap empty container in newspaper and dispose in the garbage. Second best: Unwanted fertilizer that does not contain pesticides should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag and disposed of in the garbage. Those that contain pesticides should be taken to a hazardous waste facility or collection event.

How to dispose of expired herbicides? ›

To find out where to take your unwanted pesticides, contact your local household hazardous waste, call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687), or talk to your state's environmental agency. Remember! State and local laws can be more strict than federal requirements.

What to do with weeds after spraying? ›

Pull the weeds up from the base

Ideally, you want to reach down to the very bottom of the plant and prise it out of the ground in its entirety. If you're dealing with spiky, thorny or stinging weeds then we recommend you wear a thick pair of gardening gloves to do this.

How do I fix my lawn after too much fertilizer? ›

Immediate Action: If you've just applied the fertilizer and realize you've used too much, wait for the grass to dry and then vacuum or sweep up the excess granules. Watering: One of the best immediate actions you can take is thoroughly watering your lawn.

Can you wash fertilizer out of soil? ›

For organic fertilizers you cannot wash it out. On the other hand, there should be no need to wash it out, because it doesn't hurt anything to have too much organic fertilizer. For chemical fertilizer you wash it out with water.

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