50 Ways - 31. Dispose of Rinsed Containers Safely

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50 Ways Farmers Can Protect Their Groundwater

Nitrogen

1. Set realistic yield goals
2. Test the soil
3. Credit other nitrogen sources
4. Apply nitrogen in the spring
5. Use nitrification inhibitors when effective

Scouting

6. Scout fields

Insecticides

7. Know the economic thresholds for insects
8. Consider insect-resistant crop varieties
9. Spot-treat insect infestations when possible
10. Know how tillage affects insects
11. Know how crop rotation affects insects
12. Adjust planting & harvesting dates to control insects
13. Conserve beneficial insects
14. Consider using biological insecticides

Herbicides

15. Know the economic thresholds for weeds
16. Fine-tune your weed program to reduce rates
17. Manage crops to compete aggressively with weeds
18. Don't increase herbicide rates with conservation tillage
19. Band herbicides and cultivate
20. Control weeds with cover crops

Pesticide Selection

21. Determine the organic-matter of your soil
22. Determine your soil's potential for leaching
23. Determine your pesticide's potential for leaching
24. Determine the soil-pesticide interaction rating
25. Consider other critical pesticide qualities

Pesticide application

26. Select the proper nozzle tips
27. Calibrate your sprayer
28. Consider direct injection
29. SPrevent backsiphoning

Pesticide disposal and storage

30. Rinse chemical containers thoroughly
31. Dispose of rinsed containers safely
32. Dispose of excess chemicals safely
33. Store agrichemicals safely
34. Prevent and clean up chemical spills
35. Construct a rinse pad

Site conditions, wells, and septic systems

36. Know your well site conditions
37. Locate your well away from contamination sources
38. Make sure your well is constructed properly
39. Seal abandoned wells
40. Make sure your septic system operates correctly

Water testing & treatment

41. Test your water routinely
42. Test your water for coliform bacteria & nitrate
43. Test you water for pesticides
44. Know the signs of contaminants in drinking water
45. Select effective water-treatment methods

46. Store livestock waste properly
47. Have old, underground fuel storage tanks removed
48. Dispose of other hazardous waste safely
49. Take precautions when irrigating
50. Take precautions when chemigating

31. Dispose of Rinsed Containers Safely
	When pesticide containers have been properly rinsed, they are considered nonhazardous material. In most cases, you can dispose of them in a sanitary landfill. But not in all cases. Some waste disposal operators will not accept pesticide containers because they don't want to take the risk that the containers weren't rinsed. To make your containers more acceptable, be sure they appear as clean as possible and puncture them on both ends.
	If your pesticide was contained in bags or boxes, open the containers at both ends so the landfill operator can see they are completely empty.
	The threat to groundwater makes it illegal to bury pesticide containers or other pesticide wastes in some states, including Illinois.
	In Illinois, farmers and private citizens can burn combustible, empty pesticide containers where the pesticide is used, as long as local ordinances permit and it is done at least 1,000 feet from residential property. The smoke must not cause visibility problems or obvious environmental problems. Commercial applicators cannot burn pesticide containers.
	Keep in mind that there are ways to avoid the disposal dilemma entirely: reusable containers, disposable packages that dissolve in the tank, and recycling.
	Illinois is among those states that have recycling programs for pesticide containers. As for reusable containers, they are usually only an option for applicators who use large volumes. These mini-bulk containers typically hold 15 gallons or more and can be refilled numerous times.