21
contaminated. The presence of the paper attached
to the containers that are to be recycled impairs the
quality of the plastic, which will be used for other
end products. Some pesticide container sites have
bins or separate areas for collecting outer packaging
and label materials.
Steps to follow for manual triple rinsing
(
without using a pressure rinse system):
•
Empty contents of the container into the spray tank
and drain in a vertical position for 30 seconds.
•
Add water to container to about 1/5 full.
•
Shake the container thoroughly and empty into the
spray tank, and drain for 30 seconds.
•
Repeat the procedure two more times; it should
only take about 5 minutes in total.
•
Triple rinsed containers should be punctured or
broken to render them non-reusable. Punctured
containers also identify themselves as being triple
rinsed. Note: Do not puncture unrinsed containers
–
pesticide from unrinsed containers is concentrated
material, and puncturing unrinsed containers will
cause them to leak and create exposure of the
concentrated material to the environment and to
persons handling the containers.
•
Dispose of all plastic and metal containers at a
pesticide container collection site (see list).
Pesticide spill cleanup
The best way to minimize the effects of a pesticide spill
is to have an emergency response plan prepared and in
place that includes a copy of the Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) and a procedure to handle all types of
pesticide emergency. In addition, a spill cleanup kit
should be prepared and be available near the pesticide
storage site and at the mixing and loading site. A spill
cleanup kit should include the following:
•
personal protective equipment (see the Protective
Clothing and Equipment section)
•
absorbent material such as activated charcoal,
vermiculite, dry coarse clay, kitty litter or
commercial absorbent
•
neutralizing material as indicated on the MSDS
•
long-handled broom for dry formulations
•
shovel for liquid formulations
•
waste-receiving container with a lid
•
blank labels to identify contents of waste container
In the event of a pesticide spill, follow the steps
listed below:
•
Isolate affected area.
•
Put on protective clothing and equipment.
•
Ventilate the area (if indoors). For outdoor spills,
work from the upwind side of the spill.
•
If possible, stop the containers from further leaking.
•
Contain the spread of the spill using soil, sand
bags, vermiculite, kitty litter, etc. to provide a
barrier to the spread of the spill. Prevent pesticide
entry into sewers or water supply.
•
Report the spill immediately (if into or threatening
a watercourse or if the pesticide is or will cause an
adverse effect off your property).
•
Clean up the spilled pesticide. Absorb spill on paper,
sand, dirt or other inert material (e.g. kitty litter).
•
Decontaminate the spill area by washing the site
with detergent or other cleaning products such as
ammonia. Check the product label MSDS (material
safety data sheets) or contact the manufacturer for
advice on cleanup procedures (most products have
a 1-800 customer service number on the label) and
disposal. If the spill is large, evacuate the area and
notify safety personnel.
Emergencies or spills must be reported to the
24
hour Alberta Environmental Response Centre:
1-800-222-6514.
The CleanFarms initiative offers a free empty pesticide
container recycling program. The program requires
pesticide containers to be pressure rinsed or triple
rinsed; paper booklets must be removed, and the
clean, empty containers can be returned to a pesticide
container site (see following pages). For more
information, contact your local collection site or
visit
www.croplife.ca