| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Kyle Wasson |
| June 29, 2005 | (406) 444-5400 TTY (406) 444-4687 |
Old and Unusable Pesticides Collected
HELENA, Mont. — A pesticide collection program managed by the Montana Department of Agriculture disposed of nearly 13,800 pounds of old, unwanted and unusable pesticides during a recent effort in three Southwestern Montana locations.
This year’s materials included many products that have not been registered for use in years, including DDT and mercury-based seed treatments, according to department Director Nancy K. Peterson.
During its 13 years of existence the program, which is supported through collection charges and fees on pesticide applicator and dealer licenses, has collected a total of 307,221 pounds of pesticides.
This year, 47 businesses and individuals in Southwestern Montana registered to dispose of old pesticides. A state contractor collected the largest volume in Townsend, with 6,350 pounds.
Several individuals brought in decades-old products for disposal, some manufactured in the 1930s. Typically, these are found when cleaning out family property or after purchasing property or buildings, says Kyle Wasson, agriculture specialist with the Montana Department of Agriculture.
The program rotates among five regions throughout the state. In June 2006, the program will target Northcentral Montana, a region that includes Cascade, Teton, Chouteau, Liberty, Pondera, Glacier, Toole and Hill counties.
For more information about the program, contact Kyle Wasson at (406) 444-5400, or by email at agr@mt.gov .
