Unwanted pesticide pickup set Dec. 10

For the first time, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry have scheduled a day next week to collect unwanted pesticides from agricultural producers, according to an LDAF press release.

From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Louisiana agricultural producers can take unwanted pesticides to the Franklin Cotton Warehouse in Winnsboro so they can be disposed of properly. Producers can expect more dates at different locations to be scheduled, according to LDAF.

Producers can take partially full containers of pesticides and pesticide products that are canceled or expired to the collection site.

"This is a great opportunity for agricultural producers to get rid of old, unused or partial containers of pesticides," said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain. "This program allows us to help properly dispose of unwanted pesticides and ensure that human health and the environment in Louisiana are protected."

LDAF has retained a licensed contractor for this program, according to the press release, which will be responsible for for pesticide products collected at the sites.

At present, agricultural producers wanting to dispose of pesticide products must contact a licensed contractor themselves, for which they have to pay the fee. For this program, LDAF will not require a fee. The cost will be paid for though fees associated with pesticide manufacturers product registrations in Louisiana.

"All pesticides offered for sale in Louisiana must be registered annually with the LDAF," according to the release.

The Franklin Cotton Warehouse is located at 969 Louisiana Highway 868 in Winnboro.