The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced on May 5 that it will offer a free agrichemical container recycling program beginning in mid-July and continuing into August at sites across the state. The program is designed for farmers and agrichemical facilities to responsibly dispose of empty pesticide containers, which are recycled into shipping pallets.
This initiative provides an accessible way for agricultural producers to manage waste while supporting environmental stewardship. The department said the effort helps keep plastic out of landfills and offers a convenient solution for those handling agrichemicals.
“Each year, this program gives farmers and agrichemical facilities an easy way to responsibly dispose of empty pesticide containers,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “Instead of ending up in the trash, these containers can be brought to a nearby collection site and handled the right way.”
Only high-density polyethylene (#2 plastic) agrichemical containers that are clean and dry will be accepted; metal or household pesticide containers are not eligible. Participants must rinse their containers, remove all caps, valves, metal parts, labels, booklets, foil seals, and cut off tops and bottoms as required. Mini-Bulk (cage) containers must be cut into separate slabs with fittings discarded (no metal or wood), while Intermediate Bulk Containers should be cut into one-foot square pieces with all fittings removed. G. Phillips and Sons, LLC will provide pickup services throughout the year for these larger items.
The recycling program is conducted in partnership with several organizations including the Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, G. Phillips and Sons LLC, Illinois Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension as well as local agri-businesses hosting collection sites across multiple counties on specific dates in July and August.
To obtain more information or a brochure about the program participants may call 1-800-641-3934 toll-free at the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The department advances public service by supporting farmers through regulatory programs that protect consumers while promoting agricultural sustainability according to the official website. It also annually tests more than 91,000 commercial weighing devices; administers animal health programs; distributes funds to county fairs; inspects eggs as well as meat products; certifies weights/measures equipment; monitors fuel quality; supports soil/water conservation districts; maintains disease-free status among livestock/poultry populations—all serving residents statewide according to the official website.
