The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is encouraging farmers, government institutions and pest control operators to make use of CropLife South Africa’s free collection and safe disposal programme for obsolete pesticides and empty pesticide containers.
The programme provides a responsible disposal option, with no legal repercussions for obsolete pesticides submitted for destruction. CropLife SA covers the transport to Gauteng and thermo-destruction costs, with no limit on the quantity that can be submitted.
Farmers are reminded that obsolete pesticides and empty containers are hazardous and can pose risks to people, animals, soil and water if not properly managed.
Empty pesticide containers must be triple-rinsed and punctured to make them unusable before being taken to a CropLife SA collection event or designated collection site. Obsolete pesticides must be recorded on the required inventory form and materials must be securely prepared on wooden pallets and wrapped in cling film.
Fertilisers, animal feeds and animal health products will not be accepted. CropLife SA does not collect from farms, and farmers are responsible for delivering materials to designated collection points.
For collection dates and information, farmers can contact their crop advisor or CropLife SA. Enquiries can also be directed to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn at CropLife South Africa on 082 446 8946 (WhatsApp messages only).
