The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recently hosted a pesticide waste removal event in Dawson County, Lamesa, Texas. The event collected approximately 179,619 pounds of unwanted pesticides. These events are designed to offer agricultural producers a safe and convenient method for disposing of unwanted pesticides and recycling pesticide containers.

Commissioner Sid Miller commented on the success of the event, stating, “The estimated total from this event is more than half of what we collected across three events last year.” He commended his staff for their efforts in promoting and executing these collection opportunities. "These events offer a simple, safe, and efficient way for producers to dispose of hazardous products properly," he added.

The items accepted at the event included outdated or unwanted agricultural pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, nematicides, growth regulators, and treated seeds. Items not accepted were dioxins like 2,4-5T and Silvex, fertilizers, fumigant canisters, household hazardous waste, methyl bromide cylinders, motor oil, paint, pesticide rinsate, phostoxin cylinders containing propane or butane gases radioactive substances tires.

Commissioner Miller emphasized the importance of responsible disposal practices: “Being good stewards of the land is essential to preserving not only agricultural production but also the long-term prosperity of the Lone Star State.” He expressed gratitude towards producers who participated in responsibly disposing of chemicals and poisons.

As the leading agency for regulating pesticide use in Texas TDA oversees licensing training worker protection registration efforts minimize unnecessary impacts agriculture.

For further information on waste disposal services contact Texas Department Agriculture at 512-463-7622.