Maine residents can participate in the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program, a joint initiative by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Board of Pesticides Control and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
The next local obsolete pesticide collection days will be held in Presque Isle in October. Other sites are in Bangor, Augusta and Portland.
The program aims to safeguard Maine’s natural resources and prevent agricultural pollution by promoting the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused or unwanted pesticides.
Homeowners and small family-owned farms are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by bringing their unwanted pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home, to the collection site.
Pre-registration is required by September 25 to participate; drop-ins are not permitted. Registration instructions and forms can be found on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry website under Board of Pesticides Control.
The Board of Pesticides Control will mail each registrant a map and instructions with the collection date and location.
Registered residents should bring their items to the assigned site and stay in their vehicles. Officials will instruct them as to which receptacles to place their items.
Each registration must be from the person currently possessing the pesticides. Materials collected on behalf of others will not be accepted.
Removing obsolete and unwanted pesticides is essential for protecting public health, wildlife, and the environment. Improper handling and disposal of pesticides can contaminate land and water resources. The Maine Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program ensures these hazardous materials are handled and disposed of safely.
Since its inception in 1982, the program has successfully diverted more than 250,000 pounds of pesticides from entering the waste stream. Collected pesticides are transported to licensed, out-of-state disposal facilities through a hazardous waste disposal contractor.
