State collecting unwanted pesticides from farms, commercial users on Kaua‘i

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Pesticides Branch is offering a free pesticide disposal program statewide, with a collection event planned early next year on Kaua‘i for farms and other commercial users to safely dispose of canceled, suspended, unwanted or unlabeled pesticides.

The event on Kaua‘i is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 27, 2024. Participants must register in advance. Registration deadline is 4:30 p.m. Jan. 4.

The exact drop-off location will be provided only to registered participants.

“The proper disposal of pesticides is often a serious problem for many farmers, ranchers and companies that use pesticides in Hawai‘i,” said Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture Chairperson Sharon Hurd. “Normally, businesses would have to pay for proper pesticide disposal, so we strongly encourage Kaua‘i businesses to take advantage of this free service.”

The pesticide disposal program is available to agricultural operations, including farms, ranches, nurseries and greenhouse growers. In addition, pesticide dealers, licensed pest control operators, golf course operators, landscape professionals, state and city agencies and other commercial end users of pesticides are eligible.

Residential pesticides users are not eligible for this program. Residents can contact the Kaua‘i County Recycling Office for information about household hazardous waste disposal programs.

There also are some other restrictions. Click here to see a list of acceptable and unacceptable pesticides, safety tips for transporting pesticides, the program’s collection schedule, frequently asked questions and pesticide disposal program registration form.

Questions regarding the program and registration assistance can be directed to EnviroServices & Training Center by calling 808-456-3494 or via email at wm@gotoetc.com.

A collection event was conducted in September on O‘ahu, with more than 30 companies turning in about 7,700 pounds of pesticides. Collections also are in progress on Maui.

Future disposal events are planned on all islands.