Environment
Californians are among the most environmentally conscious and conscientious people in the world. We recycle, we buy organic, we try to drive less and limit home and garden pesticide use, as well as take other steps in our daily lives to minimize our impact to the environment.
Protecting Our Water
In keeping with this environmental sensibility, California gardeners and homeowners who choose to use pesticides want to do so in a way that is environmentally responsible. This means handling, storing and disposing of pesticides in a way that keeps it from harming the environment, especially our water.
Water is an essential natural resource that every Californian should help safeguard.
Many urban creeks in California receive water from residential areas. Chemicals used around the home, including home and garden pesticides, can move from where they are applied and run off through the storm drain system into these creeks.
By following a few simple rules for handling and disposal of pesticides, you can play an important role in helping prevent this type of runoff and in preserving California’s water quality and environment.
Storage/Disposal
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Dispose of unused pesticides according to the instructions on the product label
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Never pour any leftover pesticides down the sink, toilet, sewer or storm drain
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Don’t stockpile pesticides. Buy only enough for one season
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If you only need to treat a small area, consider ready-to-use pesticides rather than products you have to mix yourself
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Always store pesticides in their original containers
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Ensure containers are securely closed
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Store in a safe place away from children
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Do not reuse an empty pesticide container
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Remember that an empty pesticide container contains residue and should also be handled carefully and according to the label