Agricultural Pesticide Disposal Day set

TUNICA, Miss. -- Mississippi Delta growers can dispose of pesticides at an Agricultural Pesticide Disposal Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11.

In addition to taking up valuable space, waste pesticides can be expensive to dispose of through hazardous waste companies and are potential health and environmental hazards. In an effort to help Mississippi growers properly dispose of pesticides, the Mississippi State University Extension Service helps coordinate pesticide collection events throughout the state.

Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other pesticide products will be accepted during the event in the parking lot of the Tunica Arena and Expo Center, located at 3873 U.S. Highway 61 North in Tunica. Farmers may also drop off up to two tractor tires and up to 10 automobile tires. Rinsates and bulk containers larger than 55-gallon drums will not be accepted.

There is no charge to Mississippi farmers or private residents, but participants are responsible for safely transporting waste pesticides and tires to the collection sites. Participants should drive into the parking lot, and workers will unload the chemicals. A licensed hazardous waste contractor will be on hand at the collection site for analysis and to ensure proper disposal of the products.

This program is coordinated by MSU Extension with funds made available through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Additional support is being provided by the Tunica Arena and Expo Center.

For more information, contact the MSU Extension Tunica County office at 662-363-2911.