Environmental Protection, Storage, Transport, and Disposal
Environmental fate
Understand what happens to a pesticide after release. Adsorption binds pesticide to soil particles (higher organic matter and clay bind more); leaching moves it downward toward groundwater; runoff carries it across the surface into streams and ponds; volatilization moves it into the air, worsened by high temperature and low humidity; persistence (half-life) determines how long residues remain; bioaccumulation concentrates fat-soluble compounds up the food chain. Traps: assuming sandy soils hold pesticides (they leach); assuming all drift is spray drift when vapor drift from volatilization can occur days later; forgetting that mixing and loading sites are frequent point sources of contamination.
Protecting water and wildlife
Prevent back-siphoning by keeping the fill hose above the water line or using an air gap or check valve. Maintain buffer zones near wells, streams, and sensitive areas. Follow label directions regarding bees and other pollinators: avoid applying to blooming crops when bees are foraging, and mow flowering weeds before treatment. Check for endangered species restrictions on the label.
Storage
Store pesticides in a locked, ventilated, dry area away from food, feed, seed, and livestock. Keep products in their original labeled containers - never in drink bottles. Use secondary containment for liquids, keep a spill kit and absorbent on hand, and post warning signs. Inventory and date containers; buy only what you need.
Transport
Secure containers upright, inspect for leaks, never carry pesticides in the passenger compartment, and carry the labels and shipping papers. Do not transport with food or animal feed.
Disposal
Triple-rinse or pressure-rinse empty containers, adding rinsate to the spray tank, then puncture and dispose through a container-recycling program. Never burn containers and never pour excess or rinse water on the ground. For unusable pesticides, use a state collection program.
Rule of thumb
"Read, rinse, recycle" - and keep every drop of rinsate in the tank, not on the ground.