Pesticide waste
Because of their toxic properties, pesticides can be harmful to humans and other living species. The management of pesticide waste is important because of their hazardous materials (hazmat) properties 
) that can present a danger to the environment and health. To limit risks, the management of pesticide waste is regulated. Some municipal by-laws are supplementary to provincial regulations. For more information, contact your municipality .
Management by individuals
Never dispose of leftover pesticides in the sink, septic tank or sewer system. Wastewater treatment plants do not treat pesticide pollution. Instead, take your leftover pesticides to the ecocentre or participate in your municipality's household hazardous waste collection.
Empty containers must be drained and rinsed three times. Rinsed containers must be crushed or punctured to prevent them from being used for other purposes. Empty containers should never be burned or buried. Keep them in a safe place until final disposal can be arranged. Empty containers and well-wrapped small spill containment materials may be disposed of with household garbage if they are not deemed hazardous materials.
Management by Commercial Users
Empty commercial product containers
AgriRÉCUP runs annual collection drives for empty agricultural containers .Empty containers, rinsed and without caps and labels, are accepted at participating retailers' collection sites.
By June 2023, containers and bags used to market pesticides and pesticide-coated seeds intended for professionals will be subject to a recovery and reclamation program (French). The program is implemented by companies that market these products, either as brand owners or primary suppliers.
To limit the number of empty containers in the environment, many companies offer factory filled and sealed reusable deposit containers. After use, non-rinsed containers are returned to the company's depot. Another option is to use water-soluble packaging.
Leftover slurry
Slurry is the result of mixing a pesticide with water. In order to avoid overspraying, estimate as accurately as possible the amount needed for application based on the area to be treated and recommended spray rate.
Overage can be saved for later application or used on an area that has not yet been treated but requires the same treatment. Do not dump excess slurry into the sewer system.
Rinse water
Rinse water from cleaning empty containers contains low concentrations of pesticides. It can be applied to the previously treated area when it does not interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. If this type of disposal is not appropriate, it is preferable to spray the rinsate in a low-risk area, away from streams, lakes, and at least 50 meters from wells. It should not be discharged into the sewer system.
Pesticide injection systems installed on sprayers are recommended as they mix pesticide concentrate and water immediately before passing through the nozzles. Water-soluble packaging, which minimizes rinse water, and returnable containers, are also recommended.
Non-useful or expired pesticides
Intact containers of non-useful products can be returned to suppliers. AgriRÉCUP also runs a secure collection and disposal program for approved expired or unusable agricultural pesticides every three years.
By June 2023, pesticides and pesticide-coated seeds intended for professionals, as well as containers and bags used to market these products, will be subject to a recovery and reclamation program (French). The program is implemented by companies that market these products, either as brand owners or primary suppliers.
Unusable or expired pesticides that have hazmat properties must be recycled or disposed of by holders of Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC) authorized permits. The list of addresses of authorized permit holders is available from regional offices of the MELCC.
For more information, view the list of pesticides deemed hazmat .
Pesticide spills
If you witness a spill, immediately notify Urgence-Environnement . Contain the liquids by surrounding them with absorbent materials. These materials will be considered as pesticide waste, even in the case of a minor spill.
If the spill is minor and the pesticide is not deemed a hazmat, the absorbent material can be disposed of with the household waste. Quickly cover the spill with a thick layer of absorbent material such as cat litter or newsprint. Wait for this material to absorb the spillage liquid before disposing of it. Avoid spraying the material with water. Instead, put it inside a plastic bag and dispose of it in a garbage can lined with a second plastic bag.
If the pesticide is deemed a hazmat, the waste must be recycled or disposed of by a holder of a MELCC authorization permit.
For more information, view the list of pesticides deemed hazmat .
In the event of a minor spill on the ground, the contaminated soil must be excavated and treated as pesticide waste. All containers of pesticide-impregnated soil and/or absorbent materials must be sealed, labelled and stored in a safe place for disposal by a licensed waste management company. Never use water to dilute spilled pesticides.
In the event of major soil contamination, land remediation must be planned. The landowner must report the soil contamination and type to the Bureau de la publicité des droits . Land that poses a significant risk to health and the environment must be remediated, contained, or restricted from use.
Last update: February 23, 2023
