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 its 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 a 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 or by Farmers
Empty commercial product containers
CleanFarms runs annual collection drives for empty agricultural containers . Empty containers, rinsed and without caps and booklets, are accepted at participating retailers’ collection sites. Labels must remain glued to the containers.
Since June 2023, containers and bags used to market pesticides and pesticide-coated seeds intended for professionals have been 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 that needs to be applied 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 or in a place where the excess could be harmful to health and the environment.
Rinsate
The water used to rinse empty containers acquires low concentrations of pesticides. It can be applied to the previously treated area if doing so 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 and lakes, and at least 50 metres from wells. It should not be discharged into the sewer system or in a place where the excess could be harmful to health and the environment.
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 rinsate, and returnable containers, are also recommended.
Unwanted or expired pesticides
Intact containers of unwanted products can be returned to suppliers. CleanFarms also runs a secure collection and disposal program for approved expired or unwanted agricultural pesticides every three years.
Since June 2023, pesticides and pesticide-coated seeds intended for professionals, as well as containers and bags used to market these products, have been 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.
Unwanted or expired pesticides that have hazmat properties must be recycled or disposed of by authorized Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) permit holders. The list of addresses of authorized permit holders is available from MELCCFP regional offices .
For more information, view the list of hazmat pesticides (French).
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 product, the absorbent material can be disposed of with household waste. Quickly cover the spill with a thick layer of absorbent material such as cat litter or newsaper. 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 product, the waste must be recycled or disposed of by a MELCCFP authorized permit holder.
For more information, view the list of hazmat pesticides (French).
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.
See also
Pesticides Management Code Reference Guide (PDF 6.86 Mb) (in French only)
Pesticide Information Kit (in French only
Last update: March 18, 2024
