Agribusinesses throughout Pennsylvania can safely dispose of unwanted pesticide products through the Department of Agriculture's CHEMSWEEP Program, the only free, safe and legal way to dispose of waste pesticides.

"Since CHEMSWEEP began in 1992, 1.5 million pounds of unwanted pesticides have been collected at no cost to the taxpayer," Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said. "Before this program, there was not an appropriate way to dispose of most pesticides, and they would often sit on shelves for years. This resource is essential in our efforts to help preserve the environment."

Nineteen counties were selected to serve as collections sites for 2006 including Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clinton, Crawford, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Juniata, Mercer, Monroe, Northampton, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill and Westmoreland.

Growers of any agricultural commodity and licensed pesticide applicators in agribusinesses and commercial enterprises from the designated counties are eligible to become collection sites by completing the CHEMSWEEP form.

CHEMSWEEP is funded through annual pesticide registration fees, paid by pesticide manufacturers. Participation in the program is free for the first 2,000 pounds; those disposing of waste pesticides exceeding 2,000 pounds will be billed by the Department of Agriculture.

Forms and additional information are available on the CHEMSWEEP webpage.

1/6/2006