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Contributors: T.E. Bilderback, Extension Horticulture Specialist; A.H. Bruneau, Extension Crop Science Specialist; S.C. Hodges, Extension Soil Science Specialist; L.T. Lucas, Extension Plant Pathology Specialist; W.A. Skroch, Professor Emeritus; S.L. Warren, Associate Professor, Horticulture Science

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Pesticide Storage and Disposal

Proper planning and equipment calibration are good ways to reduce the amount of pesticides left over after applications. One option for disposing of leftover chemicals is to spray the excess on another site which is considered safe according to the requirements on the label. Another is to take them to an approved landfill. There are also companies whose business is to correctly dispose of pesticides. Faulty or improperly managed storage facilities may result in direct runoff or leaching of pesticides into surface and groundwaters. A good storage facility should possess the following features:

• A secure area where unauthorized persons are restricted from entering
• Proper labeling such as No Smoking and Warning Pesticide Storage signs
• Limited opportunity for water damage
• Temperature control
• A location at least 50 feet from any body of water or stream
• Nonporous floors
• Adequate lighting and ventilation
• Capability of containing runoff from spills
• Source for clean water
• Absence of combustible materials or debris
• Materials and equipment to contain and cleanup pesticide spills

Additional information regarding pesticide storage and disposal is available through the NCDA-Pesticide Section, (919) 733-3556, the NCDA Pesticide Disposal Specialist, (919) 733-7366, or your county Cooperative Extension Center.

Best Management Practices for Pesticide Storage and Disposal

• Maintain and follow labels on all pesticide containers.
• Store pesticides only in original containers, or make sure the new container is properly labeled.
• Store like pesticides together. For example, store herbicides with herbicides, and fungicides with fungicides.
• Keep containers closed tightly.
• Watch for damaged containers.
• Store flammable pesticides separately.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of pesticides.
• Purchase only the amount needed.
• Comply with Emergency Planning and Right-to-Know regulations.
• Triple-rinse empty containers and puncture, crush, and recycle them. They may also be taken to an approved landfill.
• Apply rinsate to a labeled site at no more than labeled rates, or save rinsate and use it to make up water for similar applications.

Unmanaged spills may quickly move into surface waters and cause injury to plants and animals. It is essential that you be prepared for major or minor spills.

• Locate and control the source.
• For small spills, use kitty litter, vermiculite, shredded newspaper, adsorbent pillows, clean sand, or pads.
• Direct large spills away from ditches, storm drains, ponds, or wells through dikes.
• Place contaminated material in a plastic container for disposal.
• Encourage employees to report spills as soon as possible.

Table 2. Fungicide Leaching Potential (PLP) Ratings

Common Name	Trade Name	RATE (lbs/AI/Acre1 )	PLP Index 2	PLP Rating 3
Anilazine	Dyrene	5.40	21	very low
Benomyl	--	-2.70	45	low
Chloroneb	Terraneb	7.00	50	low
Chlorothalonil	Daconil	19.60	48	low
Etridiazole	Koban	6.50	41	low
Fenarimol	Rubigan	2.00	55	moderate
Flutoanil	Prostar	4.00	--	--
Fosetyl-AL	Aliette	17.40	38	low
Iprodione	Chipco	2.50	35	low
Mancozeb	Fore	8.70	46	low
Maneb	Tersan LSR	13.00	49	low
Metalaxyl	Subdue	1.36	53	moderate
Propiconazole	Banner	1.50	42	low
Propoxur	Baygon	8.10	20.25	very high
Propamocarb	Banol	7.24	0.35	moderate
Thiophanate	Clearys-methyl 3336	2.70	28	very low
Triadimefon	Bayleton	1.30	40	low
Vinclozolin	Curlan	2.70	21	very low

¹ Pounds of active ingredient per acre

² PLP Index = (T 1/2) x (Application Rate) x (Fraction of pesticide reaching soil (0.5 for turf))/Koc

³ PLP Rating based on PLP value where very low = <30, low = 31-50, moderate = 51-75, high = 76-100.

Table 3. Insecticide Leaching Potential (PLP) Ratings

¹ Pounds of active ingredient per acre

² PLP Index = (T 1/2) x (Application Rate) x (Fraction of pesticide reaching soil (0.5 for turf))/Koc

³ PLP Rating based on PLP value where very low = <30, low = 31-50, moderate = 51-75, high = 76-100.

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