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Photo of plastic pesticide containers being recycled - Click to enlarge
Program Free and Open to All Licensed Pesticide Applicators

For Immediate Release: March 30, 2016
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954
lynne.richmond@ag.state.nj.us

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today urged farmers and other pesticide applicators to participate in the 2016 plastic pesticide container recycling program. There are five sites around the state that accept the triple-washed containers from now through November. There is no cost for the program.

New Jersey has had a plastic pesticide container recycling program for the last 20 years, with the Department of Agriculture leading the initiative since 2002. The program is open to all New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection-(DEP)-licensed pesticide applicators. The DEP issues participants one-core credit toward their NJDEP pesticide license.

“Participation in the plastic pesticide container recycling program keeps these plastics out of landfills and saves farmers and other applicators money,” said Secretary Fisher.

In 2015, more than 39,000 pounds were collected through this program. Sites this year include: Cumberland County Solid Waste Complex, Helena Chemical in Hammonton and Woodstown, Allied Recycling in Mount Holly and Rutgers Fruit and Ornamental Extension Center in Cream Ridge.

Non-refillable, high-density polyethylene # 2 (HDPE #2) containers used by agricultural, professional and commercial pesticide applicators will be accepted at the collection sites. Containers must be no larger than 55 gallons and properly rinsed. Click here for the detailed program guide.

The Department of Agriculture coordinates the recycling of many different plastic agricultural materials. There are four sites statewide that accept nursery and greenhouse film year-round. The Department also lists vendors who will accept for recycling: mulch film, irrigation drip tape, plastic nursery pots, drip trays and flats.

Click here for the 2016 plastic pesticide container recycling program schedule.

Click here for more information about the Department of Agriculture’s recycling programs.