Credit: EPA
Operation Cleansweep is a statewide program that provides farmers, nursery operators, golf course operators and pest control services a one-time, safe and economical way to dispose of their canceled, suspended and unusable pesticides. In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, parts of the Panhandle may have an increased amount of damaged or compromised materials needing disposal.
Pesticide collection will be done at the participant’s site by a hazardous waste contractor according to a pick-up plan that will be developed as approved participants’ locations are mapped. Individuals interested in utilizing Operation Cleansweep need to fill out the fillable form: CLEANSWEEP PESTICIDE COLLECTION FORM, and submit it to shannon.turner@freshfromflorida.com or call 877-851-5285 for questions. A separate form needs to be filled out for each physical location that will require pesticide pick up. Be sure to list each pesticide name and amount on the form.
Chemicals at each location need to be in one central area that is easily accessible for a tractor trailer. The contractor will contact you prior to pick up to schedule the exact date. Make sure that someone is available to meet the contractor the day pick up is scheduled. If funds are depleted, or if you have material that does not fall under the guidelines for free pickup, you may coordinate with the contractor directly to arrange for pickup and payment, if you choose.
Common items (not a complete list) that Do Not Qualify for FREE pickup include:
- Residential products
- Fertilizer – unless it is pesticide-coated
- Household Paint – but antifouling paint IS acceptable
- Empty Pesticide Containers
- Gas cylinders
- Sludge
Although Cleansweep does not take empty containers, there are other avenues of disposal:
- Ag Container Recycling Council ACRC recycles plastic containers that are 55 gallons or smaller.
- The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance TPSA compiled information about companies that recycle containers larger than 55 gallons.
- USAg Recycling, Inc., collects empty pesticide containers (800-654-3145).
For more information or questions regarding Operation Cleansweep, contact Shannon Turner at 877-851-5285 or by email to shannon.turner@freshfromflorida.com.
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