Pesticide runoff and leachate can negatively affect groundwater and surface waters and can be reduced by practicing spot application whenever possible, using row banding application techniques to limit the amount of pesticides applied, using contact pesticides that do not have to be incorporated into the sod, and not spraying in potentially sensitive areas. Pesticide Application Residuals Concerns . The potential for pesticide application activities to affect the environment does not end after a pesticide has been applied. The residuals resulting from the use of pesticides, such as wastewater and empty pesticide containers, must be properly managed to ensure that the environment is not negatively affected. Options to reduce the volume of this waste stream include purchasing products in bulk, refillable or returnable containers, and products with water soluble packaging.
Federal regulations require rinsing empty pesticide containers at least three times before disposal.
Pesticide containers must not be buried or burned, even after triple-rinsing. Rinsed containers can be disposed of at a sanitary landfill or often may be returned to the supplier for reuse. Reusable containers reduce the need for rinsing and disposal. Pesticide-contaminated rinse waters can be used in future pesticide mixing and application as an alternative to disposal, or can be applied in onsite landscape applications. Other References North Carolina Agriculture Extension Service.