Maine residents looking to get rid of pesticides can take advantage of the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program, a joint initiative of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The program aims to safeguard Maine’s natural resources and prevent agricultural pollution by promoting the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused or unwanted pesticides.
Homeowners and family-owned farms are encouraged to bring their unwanted pesticides to several collection sites around the state. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home.
The next collection days will be held in October, with one-day events scheduled in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta and Portland. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 29 to participate; drop-ins are not permitted. Each registration must be from the person currently possessing the pesticides; and materials collected on behalf of others will not be accepted. The program only accepts pesticides and spray adjuvants – a list of more than 11,000 registered products can be accessed here. For more information about the program’s drop-off locations or instructions on how to register, visit BPC’s webpage.