What should be done with empty pesticide containers?

• A. Triple-rinse, crush or puncture, and take to a pesticide container collection site
• B. Reuse for next season
• C. Throw away with household waste
• D. Wash and reuse as drinking water bottle

Answer: (A)

The risk to people and the environment from even empty pesticide containers makes proper disposal essential. By triple-rinsing the container, you remove most of the remaining pesticide residues. Crushing or puncturing the container then prevents it from being reused for any purpose, especially for storing foods or drinks, which could lead to contamination or accidental exposure. Finally, taking the container to a pesticide container collection site ensures it’s handled and processed safely under the proper programs, with residue managed and the plastic material recycled or disposed of responsibly. Reusing the container for next season, throwing it away with household waste, or washing and reusing it as a drinking bottle all create pathways for contamination and are not acceptable practices.