Pesticide Storage, Transportation, and Disposal
Storage
Store pesticides in a locked, ventilated, dry area away from food, feed, seed, and livestock. Keep products in original labeled containers; never store in beverage bottles. Separate by hazard class (flammables, oxidizers, fumigants) and keep absorbent material and a spill kit on hand. Check labels for temperature limits-some products freeze or degrade in heat. Maintain an inventory and post emergency numbers. Nevada requires secure storage and restricts certain products; follow label storage statements exactly.
Transportation
Transport in a secured, ventilated vehicle, with containers upright and secured, away from passengers and food. Carry spill cleanup materials and the label. Placarding may be required for large quantities under DOT rules; know that a private applicator transporting small amounts still must secure the load. Never transport pesticides in the cab with food or in an unventilated trunk.
Disposal
Follow the label's disposal directions. Triple-rinse empty containers (rinse, drain, repeat three times), puncture them, and dispose per state rules-many Nevada counties accept rinsed containers at collection events. Never burn or bury containers unless the label permits. Dispose of excess pesticide through a licensed waste handler or take-back program; do not dump into drains, ditches, or trash unless allowed.
Traps to watch
- Storing pesticides with feed or in unlabeled containers.
- Skipping the triple rinse-residue remains in containers.
- Assuming all containers can go in regular trash.
- Transporting without securing containers or spill supplies.
Worked example
An empty jug still holds about 2% of its original contents. Triple rinsing removes >99% of residue and makes the container acceptable for recycling where programs exist. Rule of thumb: if it held pesticide, it must be rinsed, labeled, and disposed of per label and state rules.