Welsh Water offers to collect unwanted pesticides for free
© Tim Scrivener Farmers in Wales and parts of England are being offered a free pesticide collection and disposal service by Welsh Water to remove any unwanted, out of date or unlicensed products.
The initiative is part of Welsh Water’s PestSmart project and is offered on a free and confidential basis to farmers, growers, gamekeepers, foresters and land managers.
See also: The rules for legal storage of pesticides on farm
“By providing this disposal scheme across Wales and in Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s drinking water catchment areas in England, we are working with land managers to safeguard raw water quality before it reaches our water treatment works,” said a statement.
How to take part
Farmers need to register for the scheme no later than 5pm on Monday 30 September by completing a simple online form, or by phoning the PestSmart team on 01443 452716.
Once accepted, the applicant’s details will be passed to third-party contractor Chem Clear, who will ask what the farmer wants to dispose of, how much they have and will arrange a collection date.
“Chemicals must stay in their original containers, so we know what they are,” said Welsh Water.
“Don’t worry if this means you have lots of containers with only small amounts. Our contractor will advise you how best to store your chemicals until they are collected.”
There is a maximum limit of 30 litres, or 30kg per collection, although the contractor will take more at a charge of £3.20 per litre/kg.
The disposal scheme is not available to commercial firms engaged in pest control, ground maintenance or waste disposal, or to local authorities.
NFU Cymru has welcomed the scheme. Rural affairs board chairman Hedd Pugh said: “I would urge farmers to take advantage of this free and confidential scheme.
“If you have any unwanted pesticides or herbicides, please get in contact with Dŵr Cymru without delay.”