UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

                      WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
MEMORANDUM
                                                        OFFICE OF
                                                PESTICIDES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES
SUBJECT:  Disposal of Small Quantities
             of Pesticide Wastes:

            RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FARMERS AND HOMEOWNERS

BACKGROUND

This is the EPA policy on disposal of small quantities of,pesticide
wastes by farmers and homeowners.  Additional information on
Agency policy relative to pesticide disposal can be found in
40 CFR 165.  The following recommendations reflect the guidance
contained in that publication.  These recommendations are also
consistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),
which establishes legal requirements for the disposal of hazardous
waste.  Homeowners are generally exempt from RCRA requirements
because the statute excludes "household waste" from its definition
of hazardous waste.  Farmers disposing of pesticides defined as
hazardous waste by RCRA requirements must comply with the RCRA
disposal procedures below.  Fanners disposing of up to one gallon
of liquid or 10 pounds of dry formulations of non-hazardous, waste
pesticides that are not covered by RCRA may follow the "Suggested
Disposal Procedures for Homeowners."

SUGGESTED DISPOSAL PROCEDURES FOR HOMEOWNERS

Liquid formulations in quantities of less than one (1) gallon
should be left in the original container.  Make sure the cap is
securely in place to prevent spills or leaks.  Wrap in several
layers of newspaper and secure.  The package should then be
placed in a trash receptacle for routine collection with municipal
refuse.

Dry formulations in quantities of one bag or less (up to 10
pounds) should be secured to prevent leaking.  This can be done
by wrapping in paper or placing the package in a tight carton or
bag and taping or tying it closed.  Once secured, the package
should be placed in an appropriate trash collection receptacle.

Small quantities of pesticides, when handled as described above,
do not present a hazard to trash collectors or to the environment.
A properly operated sanitary landfill presents a large dilution
factor and provides sufficient containment to negate any hazardous
effects the product may present.

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DISPOSAL PROCEDURES FOR FARMERS

Under RCRA requirements, a farmer disposing of waste pesticides
from his own use is required to triple rinse each container and
to dispose of the pesticide residues on his own farm in a manner
consistent with disposal instructions on the label.  A farmer
who does not comply with these instructions will be subject to
additional RCRA requirements.  Further information on RCRA
can be obtained by calling the EPA/RCRA "Hot Line" (800-424-9346).

LARGER QUANTITIES

Appropriate procedures for disposal of quantities of pesticide
wastes larger than those described above must be established on
a case-by-case basis.  Farmers and homeowners having questions
regarding disposal of such wastes are advised to call the EPA/RCRA
"Hot Line" (800-424-9346) for more information.  Assistance is
also available from the nearest EPA Regional office or state
hazardous waste control agency.  The name and telephone number
of who to call may be obtained from the EPA/RCRA Hot Line operator.

STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Please note that the recommendations in this memorandum pertain
only to disposal requirements under federal law.  In some
instances, there may be additional state and local requirements.
                                                           3/4/83

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