You bought a pesticide product that needs to be mixed with water before applying. Did you accidentally mix up too much and now have leftover pesticide? What should you do with it?
Before mixing or applying a pesticide, always read the pesticide label to see where the product can be used (i.e., what plants it can be applied to) and apply any excess mixed pesticide in these sites. For example, if you applied an insecticide to control aphids on your roses and you have leftover product, check the label to see if you can apply the remaining product to your tomato plants that also have aphids.
Leftover pesticides should never be poured down the drain, including indoor drains, outdoor drains, or gutters/storm drains. Pesticides should also never be burned, buried, or dumped on the ground as a means of disposal.
Never store leftover mixed pesticides in sprayers or other application equipment. Always store pesticides in their original container with the product label intact, so you know the safety precautions associated with that product.
If you have pesticide containers that are full or partially full and you need to dispose of them, take them to your local Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (HHW) site. To find a HHW site nearest you, contact your solid waste service provider or 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) or visit www.earth911.com.
To avoid mixing up more pesticide than you need, measure precisely following the rate listed on the label. It's better to make a second batch if you need more than have leftovers! You can also purchase ready-to-use (RTU) pesticides that are sold pre-mixed, usually in spray bottles.
Visit Pesticides: Safe and Effective Use in the Home and Landscape to learn more.