Zero Pesticide Storage (News Release)

Iowa State University Extension Farmers have heard for years that they should store pesticides in a locked area away from food, feed, fertilizer or seed to reduce contamination and accidental exposure. Pesticides also may become ineffective or unusable when exposed to excessive heat or cold.

A new concept adopted by many farmers and recommended by ISU Extension reduces these hassles: Zero Pesticide Storage.

Zero Pesticide Storage may not be immediately possible for all farmers, however, it easily can be achieved in two or three years. Storage experts suggest the following initial steps:

1. First, determine what's in your pesticide storage area. Plan to get rid of certain pesticides as soon as possible. Banned pesticides, such as DDT or Chlordane, should be disposed of by professionals at the next Toxic Waste Cleanup Day in your area. These pesticides are illegal to apply, and endanger the health of the owner and the environment.
2. Then set aside all pesticides that are unusable. Unusable pesticides may be ineffective or possibly dangerous to use due to lengthy or poor storage conditions. Store them properly until the next Toxic Waste Cleanup Day in your area.
3. And lastly, decide which pesticides you do not want to keep. These are pesticides that still may be usable, but are no longer needed in your farm operation. Plan to dispose of them at the next Toxic Waste Cleanup Day in your area, too.

Many operators find that these three categories account for more than half of their pesticides in storage. By properly disposing of them, they eliminate a multitude of potential environmental and health risks that could arise from a fire, tornado, or animals or vandals entering a storage area.

Contact your local Extension office for a copy of a new SAFE FARM publication about how to achieve Zero Pesticide Storage.