By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Sometimes the downside to using pesticides and chemicals is that there is no place to dispose of the containers safely.

This problem has been solved, in part, as Illinois farmers looking for a way to dispose of their empty agrichemical containers now have the option of free disposal.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) has arranged a free pesticide container recycling program which began in late July. All over the state, IDA has set up collection sites.  After the containers are collected, the plastic will be ground into small plastic chips and used to make shipping pallets, fence posts, drainage tubing, plastic lumber and hazardous waste drums.

IDA Director Chuck Hartke said of this innovative way to turn waste into a reusable product, “This award-winning program reached a milestone last year with the collection of its two-millionth agrichemical container. It’s a perfect example of the effort Illinois farmers are making to protect our environment.”

The collection is only for agrichemical containers. IDA stated. Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible. Collection sites will accept only high-density polyethylene, No. 2 plastic, agrichemical containers that are clean and dry. Participants are responsible for rinsing them and removing all caps, labels, booklets and foil seals.

The program has several sponsors. It is a cooperative effort between IDA, Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Tri-Rinse, Inc., Illinois Farm Bureau and University of Illinois extension. For those wishing to obtain a free brochure, call IDA toll-free at 800-641-3934.

Permanent collection sites are located around the state. In Greene County, the site is at Illinois Valley Supply in Carrollton; contact John Quandtat at 217-942-6991. In McLean County, it is at Randolph Ag Service in Heyworth; contact Dee Hamilton at 309-473-3256.

In Warren County, it is at Maple City Area Recycling in Monmouth; call Kevin Lovdahl at 309-734-8423. In Wayne County, go to Wabash Valley Service Co. in Ellery, where Mike Wilson can be reached at 618-446-5160.

For single-day collection sites, refer to the accompanying table at left, where “AM” indicates site hours are from 8-11 a.m. and “PM” hours are from 1-4 p.m.