60 Ways - 60. Dispose Of Other Farm Wastes Safely

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60 Ways Farmers Can Protect Surface Water

50 ways

57 ways

60 ways

Managing Surface Cover

1. Distribute residue evenly at harvest
2. Avoid fall tillage
3. Determine how your operations will affect residue cover
4. Estimate residue cover in the field
5. Adjust equipment to preserve residue
6. Plant a cover crop
7. Rotate crops
8. Select vigorous perennial pasture species
9. Protect the soil with special-use annual forage crops
10. Protect the soil with rotational grazing
11. Use no-till when renovating pasture
12. Manage timberland to protect soil

Controlling the Flow of Water

13. Reduce soil compaction and increase infiltration
14. Install grassed waterways
15. Plant vegetative filter strips or make critical area plantings
16. Farm on the contour
17. Use contour stripcropping and contour buffer strips
18. Install terraces
19. Install grade control structures
20. Install water and sediment control basin
21. Use diversions
22. Install a farm pond
23. Maintain your dtrainage system to protect surface water
24. Control streambank erosion with the willow-post method
25. Avoid channelization of streams and creeks

Managing Nutrients Effectively

26. Set realistic yield goals
27. Monitor the level of nutrients
28. Credit other nitrogen sources
29. Select nitrogen fertilizers wisely
30. Apply nitrogen in the spring
31. Apply fertilizer with a global positioning system

Managing Livestock Waste Effectively

32. Keep livestock out of water
33. Divert runoff water
34. Collect and store contaminated runoff
35. Install a vegetative filter - in appropriate
36. Determine accurate manure application equipment
37. Calibrate manure application equipment
38. Apply manure wisely

Reducing Insecticide Use

39. Scout fields for insects
40. Base decisions on the economic thresholds for insects
41. Use insect-resistant crop varieties
42. Use crop rotation and plant diversity to control insects
43. Spot-treat insect infestations when possible
44. Conserve beneficial insects

Reducing Herbicide Use

45. Scout for weeds and know their economic thresholds
46. Fine-tune your weed-control program to cut back on herbicides
47. Manage crops to compete aggressively with weeds
48. Don't assume that no-till requires more herbicide
49. Band herbicides and cultivate
50. Control weeds with cover crops

Selecting Pesticides

51. Select the leat-toxic pesticide
52. Determine your soil's potential for runoff
53. Determine your pesticide's potential for runoff
54. Determine the soil-pesticide interaction rating

Handling Pesticides Safely & Efficiently

55. Calibrate your sprayer
56. Consider direct injection and closed handling systems
57. Observe setback zones
58. Rinse and dispose of chemical containers safely
59. Dispose of excess chemical safely
60. Dispose of other farm waste safely

60. Dispose Of Other Farm Wastes 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 the Cooperative Extension Service 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.