Recycle Your Pesticide Containers

By Elizabeth Danielson

Recycling is the environmentally friendly and responsible way of disposing of empty pesticide containers. In 2021, over 803,000 pounds of pesticide containers were collected and recycled in Iowa. Recycling options vary depending on the container size.

Recycling containers 55 gallons or smaller

The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) works with private and state contractors across the United States to collect and recycle 55-gallon or smaller containers. In most cases, there is no collection fee for growers and commercial applicators.

The ACRC accepts containers that previously held products used in agricultural crop protection, animal health, and specialty pest control. Also accepted are micronutrient, biologicals, fertilizer, and adjuvant containers. Please note that containers that originally held consumer products, or home and garden pesticides are not acceptable.

The current Iowa ACRC Contractor is G. Phillips and Sons. To set up a pickup, call G. Phillips & Sons at 319-248-5550 or email them at pickup@gpsagrecycle.com. Download and use the container preparation checklist to ensure your containers are ready for recycling.

Recycling mini-bulk and intermediate bulk containers

The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA) provides resources on managing mini-bulk and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) including information on cleaning and preparing containers for recycling and a listing for companies that will collect and recycle these containers. Eight companies are currently listed offering mini-bulk and IBCs recycling services for Iowa.

Recycling other ag plastics

The ACRC provides a listing of recycling programs for agricultural plastics and products that are not included in their program.