A program to collect obsolete pesticides is being expanded this year to also provide farmers with safe disposal for unused animal health products and sharps. Taking place this fall, the program is part of an Ontario government-supported Great Lakes Basin water quality initiative that offers farmers a way to recycle these items.

As part of this project, farmers will be able to bring their obsolete pesticides, unused animal health products, and used sharps (needles, syringes, and scalpel blades) to a series of 16 collection sites across the province for safe and environmentally responsible disposal October 20 through 22, 2009. The service is free of charge.

“We are pleased to be able to provide this free service to farmers this year as a way of better protecting the environment and our water quality,” said Lilian Schaer, projects manager with AGCare, the organization leading the program. “This is the first time we are offering collection for all of these products together and we are encouraging farmers to participate.”

“Our industry has a deep commitment to sound stewardship practices and CropLife Canada is pleased that our obsolete collection program is being expanded to help farmers dispose of more items than ever before,” said Lorne Hepworth, PhD, president of CropLife Canada