Pesticide disposal offered in Yakima

Unused agricultural and commercial-grade pesticides can be disposed of in Yakima on May 19-20 under an annual program run by the state Department of Agriculture. Participants are asked to sign up by March 31.

The no-cost collection is an opportunity for residents to get rid of potentially hazardous materials without worrying about liability,
officials said. To sign up, call 360-902-2056, 877-301-4555 (toll-free) or send an e-mail to wastepesticide@agr.wa.gov.

"Once a pesticide becomes unusable, it is no longer an asset and becomes a potential liability in the storage shed," program coordinator Joe Hoffman said.

Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides and most chemicals that kill, repel or prevent unwanted pests will be accepted. Empty pesticide containers, fertilizers, motor oil and household hazardous waste will not be accepted for disposal.

Participants will receive supplies to protect broken or leaky containers to ensure safe transportation to the collection site, as well as directions to the site, hours of operation and transportation documents.