Once one is done with applying fertilisers and pesticides on the farm at least one can relax. But wait. What about the empty pesticide containers and packaging that is waste. These containers pose a risk to people, animals and the environment. They cannot just be thrown anywhere and anyhow.There are various ways of doing away with these waste.
For one, the containers can be cleaned by the triple-rinsing method. The containers are rinsed three times as the washing is added to the spray tanks. The cleaning should be done at a designated site that is not easily accessible to outsiders. Reading and following all labelled instructions is fundamental. One should never re-use a pesticide container for any other purpose as it is quite hazardous due to the chemical's toxic nature. It is prudent that one wears protective clothing while doing the cleaning.
Pesticide waste can be in form of empty pesticide containers and packaging, dilute pesticides left in the sprayer and unwanted concentrated pesticides left in the container. One can also reduce pesticide waste. This can be done in a number of ways such as purchasing only what you need. A farmer should have good stock control for example first in, first out. During the mixing the exact proportions of the pesticides and fertilisers needed should be used. Formulations such as water soluble tablets or actives can also minimise input waste.
When it comes to disposal, large-scale farmers have the advantage of procuring the services of a reputable waste disposal contractor. Medium-scale farmers have the option of having a licensed site on the farm.there also the option of burying the containers on the Agricultural land. The containers have to be crushed or punctured and buried at least 0.8 metres and below the level of any land range.Containers which are inflammable can be burnt. One also has the option of sealing containers that can be returned to the manufacturer.
All these methods can go a long way in keeping pesticide exposure potential to an absolute minimum. Farmers should aim for sustainable Agriculture which includes a cleaner environment.
For one, the containers can be cleaned by the triple-rinsing method. The containers are rinsed three times as the washing is added to the spray tanks. The cleaning should be done at a designated site that is not easily accessible to outsiders. Reading and following all labelled instructions is fundamental. One should never re-use a pesticide container for any other purpose as it is quite hazardous due to the chemical's toxic nature. It is prudent that one wears protective clothing while doing the cleaning.
Pesticide waste can be in form of empty pesticide containers and packaging, dilute pesticides left in the sprayer and unwanted concentrated pesticides left in the container. One can also reduce pesticide waste. This can be done in a number of ways such as purchasing only what you need. A farmer should have good stock control for example first in, first out. During the mixing the exact proportions of the pesticides and fertilisers needed should be used. Formulations such as water soluble tablets or actives can also minimise input waste.
When it comes to disposal, large-scale farmers have the advantage of procuring the services of a reputable waste disposal contractor. Medium-scale farmers have the option of having a licensed site on the farm.there also the option of burying the containers on the Agricultural land. The containers have to be crushed or punctured and buried at least 0.8 metres and below the level of any land range.Containers which are inflammable can be burnt. One also has the option of sealing containers that can be returned to the manufacturer.
All these methods can go a long way in keeping pesticide exposure potential to an absolute minimum. Farmers should aim for sustainable Agriculture which includes a cleaner environment.
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