Pesticide Container Recycling & Waste Disposal in Daniels County

Published: 2022
By Inga Hawbaker

Daniels County MSU Extension and Weed District partner with Solid Waste, the local landfill, throughout the summer and fall for Montana Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Pesticide Container Recycling Program. Started in 2009, the focus of the program is to keep HDPE #2 pesticide plastic out of Montana landfills. There are currently three recycling bins in the county, resulting in approximately 10,000 pounds of container plastic that is recycled and collected by the MDA annually. Based on this approximation, the program saves approximately 12,500 pesticide containers from entering the county landfill annually. In spring 2022, the county partnership had the opportunity to ensure the foreseeable future of this project by applying for and receiving an MDA “Collection Point Improvement Grant” to provide needed upgrades to the current collection sites. Approved upgrades included high-rise chainlink panel siding, gates, and the addition of 3/4-inch gravel to the floors of the bins. The overall goal of the improvement project is to elevate the appearance and functionality of the container collection sites, prompting improvement of recycling efforts within the county, meaning stronger adherence to container preparation protocol and more utilization of the collection sites. The project will help reinforce opportunities for needed education regarding the recycling program in the county. With the event occurring in September 2022, Daniels County MSU Extension and Weed District helped facilitate Scobey as a stop for the Eastern District tour of the Pesticide & Waste Disposal Program. Started in 1994, the Waste Disposal Program rotates across the state with disposal trucks on a three-year cycle. The disposal day allowed county residents to dispose of accepted materials including pesticides (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, etc.), pesticide mixes, unknown pesticides, and metal pesticide containers. The program will not revisit the Eastern District until Fall 2025. Whether through the Pesticide & Waste Disposal or the Pesticide Container Recycling Program, the diversion of waste materials supports efforts to extend the life of the county landfill, while helping to preserve the quality and function of local groundwater, habitat, and other ecosystem components.