|
|
Operation Cleansweep Tops A Million Pounds
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced today that Operation Cleansweep collected more than 1,000,000 pounds of pesticides during the program’s 12 years of operation. A partnership between the FDACS and the DEP, the program collects canceled, suspended or unusable pesticides from Florida farmers, nurseries, golf courses and pest control companies for proper disposal.
“Our agency’s efforts, and that of DEP, have removed more than one million pounds of unused and outdated pesticides from farms, businesses and other commercial sites – chemicals that otherwise could pose a danger to our environment ,” Commissioner Charles Bronson said. “This program illustrates what government can accomplish when it works together.”
Operation Cleansweep collects and disposes of pesticides to protect agricultural workers, emergency responders, the public and the environment from potential health and environmental risks from stored pesticides. Some products are old and may be stored in containers that are deteriorating, while others, such as chlordane and DDT, can no longer be used legally. To date, more than one million pounds of pesticide products have been collected from nearly 1,500 participating farms, dairies, ranches, nurseries, golf courses and professional pest control operations in 65 counties.
“Operation Cleansweep is a convenient, cost-effective public-private partnership to dispose of unwanted or outdated pesticides, providing free collection and disposal for Florida’s pesticide consumers,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “This program provides a safe method of collection and disposal that is more protective of Florida’s natural resources and our agricultural economy.”
Proper disposal of pesticides can be costly and a complicated regulatory burden for small farmers and other pesticide users. Operation Cleansweep offers an opportunity to avoid these formidable barriers and promotes safe and environmentally-sound pesticide use, handling and disposal.
In addition to disposal of unwanted pesticides, participants in the program also receive educational material that includes tips on purchasing pesticides; inventory control; stock rotation; proper labeling, storage, and handling; and how to respond to leaks, spills, and exposure incidents. Funded by in-kind contributions from public and private partners and the Florida Legislature, the program’s goal is to collect and dispose of unwanted pesticides as well as prevent the need for future Operation Cleansweep collections through proper storage, labeling and pesticide purchasing.
For more information, visit the Operation Cleansweep Web site at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/cleansweep-pesticides/default.htm.
|
