Illinois offering agrichemical container recycling program

Illinois farmers have an inexpensive and convenient opportunity to dispose of their empty agrichemical containers.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has arranged to offer a free pesticide container recycling program this month. Sites throughout the state will collect the containers and grind them into small plastic chips that will be used to make shipping pallets, fence posts, drainage tubing, plastic lumber and other products.
“This program is an excellent example of the care Illinois farmers are taking to protect our environment,” said Illinois Agriculture Director Bob Flider. “Since its inception, more than 2 million agrichemical containers destined for landfills have been collected and recycled into useful products.”

Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible for the recycling program. Collection sites will accept only high-density polyethylene, No. 2 plastic, agrichemical containers that are clean and dry. Participants are responsible for rinsing them and removing all caps, labels, booklets and foil seals.

The program is a cooperative venture between the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Container Recycling Council, Growmark Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Container Services Network, Illinois Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension.