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Charlotte County Extension Agent Joanne Jones is working with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and Charlotte County officers in conducting an annual Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program.

According to Jones, the Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program assists agricultural producers, pesticide dealers, and pest control firms in recycling properly rinsed plastic pesticide containers instead of placing them into the local trash collection.

“Currently, pesticide containers should be rinsed three times, a hole placed in the container, and they can be bagged and taken to a dumpster site,” said Jones. “They can also be taken to Meherrin Ag and Chemical located 1409 Vincent Store Road, Charlotte Court House, at or Longs Farm Supply located at 1103 Lynchburg Ave., Brookneal, to be recycled.”

Jones says that currently, Meherrin Ag and Chemical has a temporary storage area, but as part of the new program, a permeant storage facility will be constructed at the business.

“Meherrin Ag and Chemical has been gracious enough to allow containers to be dropped off, but does not have extra staff to inspect containers and make sure everything is rinsed properly.” Jones Explained.

Jones further said that due to the temporary storage area, containers are stored outside exposed to the elements and can lead to issues if they were not adequately cleaned.

“With the new program, Virginia Cooperative Extension will work with both sites to ensure all containers are properly cleaned and ready for recycling. The permanent facility will ensure all containers are stored inside and out of the elements,” she said.

To help with the pesticide program, the VDACS will reimburse Charlotte County up to the amount of $1,875 to support the costs of the program.

According to Jones the permanent facility is expected to be in place by spring when most producers and homeowners begin using chemicals and will need to discard containers.