What do you do with outdated or unwanted pesticides taking up space in your pesticide storage shed? In Florida, FDACS provides a free service called Cleansweep to collect them from farms for proper disposal. Credit: UF/IFAS Photo Archive
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is launching Operation Cleansweep for Pesticides for the 2025–26 season — a program designed to help agricultural operations safely remove old or unusable chemicals from storage.
The intent of this program is to provide a safe, convenient, and cost-effective mechanism for commercial operations to properly dispose of canceled, suspended, or unusable pesticides. Over time, pesticide inventories can accumulate products that are outdated, no longer registered, or simply not needed. Improper storage or disposal of these materials can create environmental risks, liability concerns, and safety hazards on farms. Operation Cleansweep offers a practical solution: a no-cost pickup service that ensures these pesticides are collected, transported, and disposed of in compliance with state and federal regulations — protecting your farm, your workers, and the environment.
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✅ Who Qualifies?
- Commercial entities with pesticides that meet program guidelines (EPA registration number required)
- No charge for qualifying materials
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Who Doesn’t Qualify?
- Residential customers (this is not a household hazardous waste program), so contact county officials to find out about local options for household chemicals.
- Non-pesticide materials such as rinsate, empty containers, sludge, and fertilizer (unless pesticide-coated)
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How to Participate (Season 2025–26)
- Complete the participation form: 2025-26 Cleansweep Pesticide Collection Form (fillable form for use on your computer)
- Save the form as a file on your computer and email the completed form as an attachment to Theresa.Chandler@fdacs.gov.
- FDACS will notify you when pickups are scheduled.
- For questions, call: Theresa Chandler @ 877-851-5285
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Program Year:
- Season 2025–26 runs July 2025 – June 2026
- Pickups will be scheduled once enough participants are confirmed from a given region
- Materials must be placed in a central, easily accessible location
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More Information & Resources:
♻ Disposal of Empty Pesticide Containers
Although Cleansweep does not accept empty containers, there are alternative disposal and recycling options. Always refer to the label instructions for proper disposal.
- Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC): Recycles plastic containers 55 gallons or smaller.
- The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA): Provides resources for recycling containers larger than 55 gallons.
- USAgRecycling: Visit www.USAgRecycling.com or call 800-654-3145 for additional recycling information.
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Operation Cleansweep provides a great opportunity for Panhandle farmers and ranchers to clear out unwanted pesticide inventories at no cost. Don’t wait — send in your form early to secure your spot for the Season 2025–26. The 2025-26 Cleansweep Pesticide Collection Form is provided in this article for your convenience — complete and return it early to secure your spot for current 2025–26 Season.
