Posted: November 17th, 2009 - 12:37pm
Source: Bradenton Herald

MANATEE -- Farmers, businesses and other commercial sites will have an opportunity next month to safely and legally dispose of outdated pesticides or pesticides packed in deteriorating containers under a 10-year-old state program called Operation Cleansweep.
Farmers and businesses should call the state with the amount and types of hazardous material, and whether it is a solid or a liquid, said Terry McElroy, spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Some of the materials, such as chlordane and DDT, have been outlawed and may no longer be used.
The state will make an appointment for a state vendor to come to the farm or other site in December to package and haul away the hazardous material. Also partnering on Operation Cleansweep is the Department of Environmental Protection.
“It is a mobile pesticide program to provide a safe way to dispose of those materials from farms, nurseries, groves, golf courses, and commercial establishments,” said Peggy Dessaint, Manatee County commercial horticulture agent.
To participate in Operation Cleansweep, agricultural interests and commercial pesticide applicators can call toll-free (877) 851-5285 or download the sign-up form at http://www.flaes.org/pdf/Flyer.pdf