Who can participate?

Any pesticide user can participate including farmers, custom, aerial and structural applicators, lawn care professionals, greenhouse/nursery operations, right of way operators and other government pest control units.

What is collected?

Pesticide containers that are made of High Density Polyethylene Extruded (HDPE) are recyclable. Look on the bottom of the container for the imprint HDPE.

• All containers must be triple or pressure-rinsed and must be free of pesticide. Caps and labels must be removed.
• Containers should be dry inside.
• Crop oil containers, if clean and free of crop oil, can also be collected.
• HPDE pesticide drums are collected.

What is not collected?

• Aerosol containers, glass containers, metal containers, plastic or paper bags, or cardboard
• Non-pesticide plastic containers such as milk jugs, detergent containers, soda or water plastic bottles
• Waste pesticides
• Water tanks

How are pesticide containers managed at the collection site?

Smaller pesticide containers five (5) gallons or less are inspected and placed in a large plastic bag. These bags hold approximately fifty (50) two and half gallon size pesticide containers. Bags are supplied by the recycler.

What is the cost to participate?

There is no cost to recycle pesticide containers 55 gallons or less in size. Containers must be triple rinsed and delivered to any participating agricultural chemical dealer or another collection site in Minnesota.

Can mini-bulks be recycled through the Empty Container program?

Mini-bulks that no longer meet the U.S. EPA Container/Containment Rule (PDF)EXT can no longer be refilled after August 16, 2011. Mini bulks, totes, asset tanks and IBC pesticide containers can be recycled through the Pesticide Container Recycling program. There is a charge for recycling mini-bulks containers with the exception of caged IBCs. These charges range from $30 to $40 per container. Charges are listed on the CSN Pick-Up Request-IBCs Form (PDF)EXT that must be completed before shipment is made. Mini-bulk recycling is also offered by other services. See following chart for additional recycling options including mini-bulks.

Note:  Always inquire as to any charges that may be imposed. Anything less than minimum volumes may hold a freight charge. Be especially aware of this when requesting pickup of mini-bulk containers. As fuel prices increase, recycling contractors may find it necessary to add transportation charge if the number of containers to be recycled is low. Consider consolidating containers with other facilities in your area.

For more information: Contact Gary Glickman at Container Services NetworkEXT, phone: 866 225-6629.

Companies providing services for recycling empty pesticide containers

* Ag Container Recycling Council

** All plastic will be ground up to ensure that 100% of the container liability is eliminated. All of the plastic will be processed in accordance with the ANSI/ASABE S596 Recycling Plastic Containers from Pesticides and Pesticide-Related Products Standard.