From: Darrell Blackwelder

Successful Gardener Article-Enviro tip

Those that use pesticides at times may have left over materials that need disposal. Pesticides are considered hazardous waste materials and need special attention before disposal.

Never put potentially hazardous waste, such as pesticides, directly in the garbage.

Check if your county environmental agency about disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Some counties have disposal units set up for pesticide containers. If you have questions about disposal, look in the yellow pages of the phone directory under "Waste Disposal – Hazardous Material Collection"
Share remaining pesticides with someone who can use them as intended.
Never pour remaining pesticides down the drain.
Household pesticide containers may NOT be recycled in many community recycling programs. Contact ahead of time before bringing containers to collection sites.
Triple rinse empty glass, plastic and metal pesticide containers by filling the containers 1/4 full of water, covering tightly and shaking. Apply the rinse water on the original targeted area. Wrap the container in newspaper and send to the landfill or dispose as directed on the label.
Do not reuse empty pesticide containers.
Wrap aerosol containers in several layers of paper and place in a covered trash container. Do not burn, incinerate or puncture aerosol containers.
Use up, share or wrap the following in newspaper and save for a hazardous waste collection: pest strips, pet collars, pet shampoos and pet dusting powders.
Always read the label on before using or disposal of any pesticide. Labels should have instructions on pesticide disposal, a web site or a phone number you can call for more information about usage and disposal.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture in conjunction with Cooperative Extension conducts “Pesticide Pick-Up Days” in many counties throughout North Carolina . For more information, contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent in charge of pesticide education. The web site for upcoming collection dates for your area is located at http://www.agr.state.nc.us/fooddrug/pesticid/pdisschd.htm or contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Pesticide Collection Section at 919-715-9023.