Advice
RHS Help & Advice
Disposing of old chemicals
With the recent withdrawal of many garden chemicals, gardeners
may possess surplus stocks of pesticides that they are
legally not allowed to use.
For
a list of pesticides that have been withdrawn click here
When pesticides are withdrawn from the market for economic
reasons there is usually a two-year grace period in which
to use up stock. Contact your local authority's waste disposal
section for disposal of larger quantities of pesticides, as
they can advise on which household sites take chemicals.
To
view the Pesticide Action Network's website which will help
you locate your nearest local authority chemical disposal
facility click here
Ensure containers are carefully sealed, and clearly labelled with the name and active ingredient of the product. Do not mix surplus chemicals. If you come across old pesticides or unlabelled containers (when purchasing a new property, for example) again contact your local authority's waste disposal section.
It is better to avoid having to dispose of excess diluted concentrate or out-of-date pesticides. Check the amount of product required before purchasing more, and under- rather than over-estimate quantities. Although concentrates will store for two years or more if kept in cool, dark conditions, ready-to-use sprays are more economical for smaller areas, requiring no mixing and keeping just as long. Diluted concentrate can become ineffective after just 24 hours.
Never dispose of surplus pesticide down drains or in watercourses. If disposal is unavoidable, small quantities should be diluted and sprayed out onto permitted plants according to the label instructions, avoiding ponds, watercourses or ditches, and following label recommendations for wildlife. Once rinsed thoroughly, empty containers should be disposed of through normal household waste routes, not recycled. Dispose of rinsings as for surplus pesticides.