University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Get the last bit of product
Recommendations for rinsing pesticide containers
Proper rinsing of 2.5 gallon pesticide containers is easy to do, saves money and helps protect people and the environment. It also helps prevent potential problems with unrinsed containers and storage of the rinse solution (rinsate). Even during a busy season, the few extra minutes it takes to properly rinse empty pesticide containers is time well spent. For example:
- Rinsate added directly into the spray tank efficiently and economically uses all pesticide in the container. This eliminates the need to store and later dispose of the rinsate, a hazardous waste.
- Rinsing the containers immediately can help you avoid problems later. Some pesticides will solidify and become difficult to remove.
- Rinsing containers removes a potential source of pesticide exposure to people, wildlife and the environment.
- Proper rinsing is required by federal regulations and is a good, sound management and environmental practice.
Proper rinsing of 2.5 gallon pesticide containers will remove more than 99% of any pesticide residue remaining in the container after it has been emptied. Two commonly used procedures are effective for proper rinsing: pressure-rinsing and triple-rinsing.
Pressure-rinsing nozzles
A special nozzle, generally available from your pesticide supplier, is attached to the end of a water hose (with back-flow protection device attached). Pressure-rinsing may be faster and easier than triple-rinsing.
How to pressure-rinse:
- Remove cap from the pesticide container. Empty pesticide into the spray tank and allow the container to drain for 30 seconds.
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- Insert the pressure-rinser nozzle by puncturing through the lower side of the pesticide container.
- Hold the pesticide container upside down over the spray tank opening so rinsate will run into the spray tank.
- Rinse for length of time recommended by the manufacturer (30 seconds or more). Rotate the nozzle to rinse all inside surfaces.
How to triple-rinse:
- Remove cap from the pesticide container. Empty all remaining pesticide into the spray tank, allowing the container to drain for 30 seconds.
- Fill the container 10-20% full of water or rinse solution (i.e., fertilizer solution).
- Secure the pesticide container cap.
- Swirl liquid within the container to rinse all inside surfaces.
- Remove cap from the container. Add the rinsate from the pesticide container to spray tank and allow to drain for 30 seconds or more.
- Repeat Steps 2 through 5 two more times.
Offer the rinsed plastic containers for recycling. Several sites are available for inspection/collection of rinsed pesticide containers. Rinse the caps in a bucket of water and pour this rinse water into the spray tank. Usually the plastic caps and containers are made from different materials. The containers may be recycled and the caps can be disposed of as solid waste.
(An upcoming issue of CropWatch will list the sites that will be available this year for recycling pesticide containers.)
Larry Schulze
Extension Pesticide Education Coordinator
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