Recycling Pesticide Containers

August 4, 2023
ICM News

The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) works with private and state contractors across the United States to collect and recycle 55-gallon or smaller containers. In 2022, over 900,000 pounds of pesticide containers were collected and recycled in Iowa.

The ACRC accepts containers that previously held products used in crop protection, animal health, and specialty pest control. Also accepted are micronutrient, biologicals, fertilizer, and adjuvant containers. Containers that originally held consumer products, including home and garden pesticides, are not accepted.

Scheduling a Pickup

G. Phillips & Sons is the ACRC Contractor in Iowa. Rigid HDPE, 55 gallon or smaller containers can be picked up throughout the year by contacting G. Phillips & Sons at 319-248-5550 or admin@recyclinggrinding.com. The minimum requirement for free pickup is 1000 pounds. Contact G. Phillips & Sons for recycling options for smaller quantities.

Preparing containers

Containers must be triple rinsed or pressure rinsed. A clean container means no residues can be wiped off the inside or outside of the container with the finger of a glove. Download and use the container preparation checklist to ensure your containers are ready for recycling. G. Phillips & Sons can supply baling twine to connect ten to fifteen containers together prior to pick up.

Recycling other ag plastics

The ACRC provides links and contact information for companies offering recycling of containers and products that are not included in their program. Agricultural plastics and products that may be recycled include IBC/Caged totes, asset totes, drip tape, poly tube, mulch and greenhouse film, grain bags, silage wrap, super sacks, pallets, plastic bags, nursery pots and trays, twine, and steel containers.

Pesticide containers waiting to be recycled.

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on August 4, 2023. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.

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Author: 

Elizabeth Danielson Extension Specialist

Betsy DanielsonĀ is an extension specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP).

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