State to collect unwanted pesticides from Big Island farms, commercial users

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Pesticides Branch is expanding its free disposal program to the Big Island, giving farms and other commercial pesticide users the opportunity to safely dispose of canceled, suspended, unwanted or unlabeled pesticides.

Drop-off events are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 in Kona and April 11 in Hilo.

Participants must register by 4:30 p.m. March 14. The exact drop-off location will be provided only to registered participants. Household pesticides will not be accepted.

Registration form and additional disposal program information, including a list of acceptable and unacceptable pesticides, safety tips for transporting pesticides, collection schedule and frequently asked questions, are available on the Agriculture Department’s website.

Questions regarding the program and registration assistance can be directed to EnviroServices & Training Center by calling 808-456-3494, faxing to 808-839-4455 or emailing to wm@gotoetc.com.

The pesticide disposal program is available to agricultural operations, including farms, ranches, nurseries and greenhouse growers. In addition, pesticide dealers, licensed pest control operators, golf course operators, landscape professionals, state and county agencies and other commercial end users of pesticides are also eligible.

“Proper disposal of old and unwanted pesticides is so important to protect human and animal health, as well as the environment,” said Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture Chairperson Sharon Hurd. “We urge all businesses and government agencies to take advantage of this free service.”

The statewide disposal program has been successful, with collections on O‘ahu totaling 7,700 pounds, Kaua‘i almost 4,000 pounds and Maui more than 7,100 pounds of pesticides.