Statewide program offers safe recycling for farm chemical containers
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced a free program to help farmers and agrichemical facilities recycle empty chemical containers safely and responsibly. The program will run from mid-July through August, with collection sites located across Illinois. The recycled plastic containers will be used to make shipping pallets, supporting environmental sustainability.
“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 clean and dry high-density polyethylene plastic containers marked as #2 are accepted.
Metal containers and household pesticide containers are not allowed. Before drop-off, participants must triple rinse the containers and remove caps, valves, labels, foil seals, and other materials. Plastic drums must have their tops and bottoms removed and be cut down the side.
The program also accepts Mini-Bulk and Intermediate Bulk containers if they meet preparation guidelines. Mini-Bulk containers must be cut into six plastic pieces, while Intermediate Bulk containers need to be cut into one-foot square sections.
G. Phillips and Sons, LLC provides optional pickup services for these larger containers throughout the year for interested participants.
This recycling initiative is a joint effort involving state agencies and agricultural organizations, including the Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, and University of Illinois Extension. Their combined efforts help promote environmental responsibility and safer waste management in agriculture.
Photo Credit: IDOA-logo