Pesticide storage
Proper pesticide storage reduces danger to human health and the environment and avoids contaminating water, soil and air. This also reduces adverse effects on biodiversity and protects children, who are at greater risk due to their physiology and behaviour. Proper storage practices also means that these dangerous chemicals are held in appropriate ways that avoid potential product and/or label alteration.
Household pesticides
Class 4 and 5 household pesticides are mostly sold in hardware stores and garden centres and are intended for individual use. The word “HOUSEHOLD” appears on the label or container.
When storing household pesticides, please ensure the following :
- They remain in their original containers;
- They are not transferred to food containers, thus avoiding accidental consumption;
- They are stored in a locked location.
Pesticides for commercial, agricultural or industrial use
These are classes 1 to 3 pesticides and are generally not mixed or diluted.
When storing these types of pesticides, please ensure the following :
- Choose a location where ambient conditions will not alter the product or impair its packaging;
- Have fast action clean-up equipment and absorbent material available in case of pesticide leakage or spillage. Read the Pesticide Waste webpage for more information;
- Post a list of resources such as the Poison Control Centre in an easy to see location, along with contact information;
- Immediately notify Urgence-Environnement if a fire breaks out after pesticide spillage at a location where at least 1,000 litres or 1,000 kilograms of unmixed or undiluted pesticides are stored.
Best practices:
- Post a current list of products stored in the warehouse and keep a copy on file.
- Post the technical specifications of stored pesticides outside the warehouse.
Specific rules for Classes 1, 2 and 3 pesticides
These pesticides must not be stored:
- Less than 30 metres from a lake or watercourse;
- Less than 100 metres from a Category 1 or 2 water withdrawal site or a water withdrawal site used for the production or spring water or mineral water;
- Less than 30 metres from a Category 3 water withdrawal site or any other groundwater withdrawal site;
- A 0-20 year floodplain;
- A 200-100 year floodplain (some exceptions apply).
See the maps of floodplains 
or check land development plans or municipal town planning by-laws for distancing compliance.
Classes 1, 2 and 3 unmixed and undiluted pesticides must be stored at a location that has retention equipment :
- This requirement covers holders of Category A, Sub-class B1, Sub-class C1 or D4 ornamental horticulture or C5 extermination vendor permits, as well as locations where in excess of 100 litres or 100 kilograms of pesticides are stored for more than 15 consecutive days.
Retention equipment may include a leak-proof floor, platform or basin designed to confine pesticide leaks and spills and fully recover them.
Civil liability insurance is required when storing unmixed and undiluted pesticides intended for sale or remunerated work.
When storing pesticides in a reservoir or mobile tank, ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
Last update: February 23, 2023
