Unlike other pesticide users, household users are not trained in proper application procedures or in diagnosing whether a particular pesticide is needed. Urban and suburban use of pesticides often occurs directly adjacent to storm drains, ditches, streams and lakes. Pesticides applied excessively or improperly can flow or leach into local waterways or seep into ground water. Although pesticides are generally designed to be toxic to certain targeted organisms, they are sometimes toxic to organisms, such as fish and other aquatic life in streams and lakes which are receiving waters for polluted runoff. The major regulatory and enforcement authority for pesticide use rests with the state Department of Agriculture.
Ecology has authority for pesticide waste disposal.
Ecology's hazardous waste and toxic reduction program targets commercial and public entities with an active education and compliance program on pesticide waste management. Washington State University research faculty and the WSU Cooperative Extension conduct the majority of research, training and education programs. These programs have traditionally targeted commercial agricultural and forestry pesticide use.