Free disposal of banned, unuseable pesticides

STATE OF MAINE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD & RURAL RESOURCES

BOARD OF PESTICIDES CONTROL

28 STATE HOUSE STATION

AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0028

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Paul Schlein, 207-287-2731

Date: August 18, 2011 paul.b.schlein@maine.gov

MAINERS URGED TO SIGN UP FOR FREE DISPOSAL OF BANNED, UNUSABLE PESTICIDES

AUGUSTA—It’s not uncommon for new owners of older homes or farms in Maine to discover they have

inherited hazardous waste—caches of old pesticides around their property. Old chemicals like DDT, lead

arsenate, 2,4,5-T, and chlordane are often discovered in barns, basements, sheds, or garages. When these

discoveries are made, homeowners quickly learn that disposal of old chemicals can be complicated and very

expensive.

Fortunately, there’s an option that’s legal, responsible, and free. Just contact the Maine Board of Pesticides

Control (BPC) for details. This fall, the state regulatory agency will dispose of banned pesticides or pesticides that have become caked, frozen, or otherwise rendered unusable. And, again, there is no cost to homeowners.

“We urge people holding these chemicals to contact us immediately to register,” says Paul Schlein, BPC

Public Education Specialist. “There will be four sites throughout the state where participants will be able to

bring their obsolete pesticides.”

The collected chemicals go to out-of-state disposal facilities licensed by the US EPA where they are incinerated or reprocessed.

“Disposal of obsolete pesticides is expensive for the state,” notes Schlein, “but it’s clearly much less than the

cost of cleaning up contaminated soil or water. However, it’s worth noting that future funding is not

guaranteed, so be sure to take advantage of this year’s collection while you can.”

Preregistration is required by September 30, 2011. To register, get details, and learn important information

about the temporary storage and transportation of obsolete pesticides, go to the BPC Web site at

www.thinkfirstspraylast.org. Or, call the BPC at 287-2731.

# # #

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) is the lead state agency for pesticide regulation. An

administrative unit of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, policy decisions are

made by a seven-member, public board. The BPC is creator of “YardScaping,” a statewide program that

recognizes the connection between backyards and watersheds, and calls for Maine citizens to make lawn care choices that don’t compromise the environment or the beauty of their lawn.

PHONE: 207- 287-2731

FAX: 207- 287-7548

E-MAIL: pesticides@maine.gov

www.thinkfirstspraylast.org