Initiative in Brazil collects 900 kg of empty pesticide containers in Mato Grosso do Sul

An initiative led by Brazil's National Institute of Empty Packages Processing (INPEV) collected over 900 kilograms of empty packages of agrochemicals in the region of Angélica, Mato Grosso do Sul. The goal is to bring awareness to farmers over the importance of abiding the law and collaborating to conserve the natural environment.

The Brazilian law determines that the users of agrochemicals should return the empty packages of the products, after the application, to shops where they were purchased. This delivery should be done within one year after the date of purchase. The improper storage of the agrochemicals and the irregularly shaped containers can result in a fine of nearly R$ 15,000.

In order to expedite the collection, several actions are done in the country with collection centers or touring caravans going to the most distant locations. The actions in Mato Grosso do Sul were conducted through a partnership with the State Agency of Animal and Plant Health, town hall and rural unions, among other entities.

Since the start of activities in 2002, INPEV have already collected 334,217 tons of empty packages of agrochemicals. The forecast for this year is that the entity recovers 45,500 tons.