Containers, Containment, Storage and Disposal of Pesticides
Pesticide Container Regulations
The pesticide container regulations establish standards for pesticide containers and repackaging as well as label instructions to ensure the safe use, reuse, disposal and adequate cleaning of the containers. Pesticide registrants and refillers (who are often distributors or retailers) must comply with the regulations, and pesticide users must follow the label instructions for cleaning and handling empty containers. Read more about pesticide container regulations.
Requirements for Containment when Storing Pesticides
Pesticide retailers who repackage pesticides, commercial applicators, and custom blenders must comply with the pesticide containment regulations if they handle agricultural pesticides and have a stationary container or pesticide dispensing area that is covered by the regulations. EPA has authorized 21 states to implement their state pesticide containment regulations instead of the federal regulations. Read more about containment requirements.
Storing Pesticides
This information is provided to help pesticide users such as farmers, golf course managers, pest control companies and others comply with requirements for pesticide storage. For pesticides in small portable containers, such as 55-gallon drums or smaller containers, EPA regulates pesticide storage through specific storage instructions on pesticide labels. Some states regulate the storage of pesticides in small portable containers. Read more about storing pesticides.
Disposal of Pesticides
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) governs the sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the United States. Pesticides are regulated under FIFRA until they are disposed, after which they are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which ensures responsible management of hazardous waste and non-hazardous solid waste.
Farmers and commercial pesticide users generally cannot dispose of pesticides in household hazardous waste programs. However, many states run pesticide disposal programs specifically for farmers and commercial pesticide users, which are often referred to as “Clean Sweep” programs.