Recycling Pesticide Containers
Regional plastic pesticide container recycling programs are stalling out for a host of reasons. Nationally, the current structure and funding hampers continuance of existing services and any growth of service. The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA, www.tpsalliance.org) is promoting a pesticide Life Cycle Stewardship Initiative to offer guidance for a more elegant and lasting solution to waste pesticide disposal and container recycling/disposal; similar to end-of-life programs for spent batteries, electronics, and tires. TPSA encourages your participation and interest in this effort.
A recent success by TPSA members provides $130,000 interim funding to ensure existing service and continued growth for pesticide container recycling in Washington State . TPSA Organizational Member Far West Agribusiness Association worked with Washington State House Rep. Bill Grant, House Ag Committee Chair Rep. Kelli Linville, Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, and Sen. Mark Schoesler to shepherd through the legislation. Also individual TPSA members, Brian Dick, Washington Department of Ecology, and Gail Amos, Washington Department of Agriculture provided technical expertise for this effort. The funding comes from the Model Toxics Control Account and will be managed by Washington Department of Ecology. The legislation is intended to be short term in order to keep the container recycling program infrastructure functioning and growing while a national program can be developed.
“Washington 's program has experienced growth every year since its inception in 1992, and the funding shortfall could have limited access to growers, commercial and professional applicators”, says TPSA President, Carol Ramsay, Washington State University . Gail Amos, Washington Department of Agriculture noted that during the Ag Container Recycling Council contractor's meeting in November 2004 the nationally supported finances were not going to be sufficient to sustain the demand to recycle pesticide containers. Scott McKinnie, Far West Agribusiness Association, says “TPSA member involvement was instrumental in getting this legislation through.”
-Press Release, April 7, 2006