50 Ways - 48. Dispose Of Other Hazardous Waste 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

48. Dispose Of Other Hazardous Waste Safely
	There's more to hazardous waste on a farm besides pesticides. Two other sources of hazardous waste that you need to monitor are from farm equipment, and from paints and solvents. For example, the used oil from a single oil change can seriously contaminate a million gallons of fresh water—enough water to supply fifty people for one year. Illinois has banned the disposal of used oil in landfills, so your best option is to recycle your oil. Contact common recycling sites such as local oil distributors, auto-repair stations, and commercial recycling services, or call U of I Extension to find recyclers in your area.
	An oil filter, even after being drained overnight, still contains significant amounts of motor oil. Therefore, hot-drain filters by puncturing the dome end and draining them overnight. Then place them in a sealable bag, coffee can with lid, or other leakproof container. Illinois has not banned oil filters from landfills.
	Antifreeze poses serious hazards to water, children, and pets attracted to its sweet taste. Find out if the store that sells the antifreeze will take back the used product. You can also contact a local service station or an automotive or radiator repair shop to find out if they can dispose of or recycle the waste.
	Lead-acid batteries can be recycled. You should be able to trade in your old battery at the store where you bought it or at the store where you are purchasing your new battery. As for old tires, the most common way to get rid of them is to turn them in to the retailer when purchasing new ones.
	If you are unable to use up all of your paint, donate it to friends, relatives, churches, recreation departments, community service organizations, or theatrical groups. If this is not an option, check with recycling centers or hazardous-waste collection sites, or contact the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for disposal ideas.
	Do not solidify, burn, or bury leftover wood preservative. The best option is to keep wood preservatives in a secure container and wait until a household hazardous-waste collection day is held in your area.