LAS CRUCES – New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is hosting a free event this Thursday to safely collect pesticides from pesticide applicators/ dealers, farmers, and ranchers in and around Artesia.
NMDA is partnering with Advanced Environmental Solutions to ensure safe disposal.
The event is free and open to all pesticide applicators and dealers, farmers and ranchers, and members of the public. It takes place August 6, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eddy County Fairgrounds, located at 3402 South 13th Street.
“Our goal is to collect any old, unwanted, outdated, cancelled, or inactive pesticide products – including products that are hard to identify – to ensure that they aren’t disposed of in an unsafe way,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte.
Those intending to drop off unused pesticides are asked to secure any leaking containers or broken bags in a containment bag or liner.
NMDA has other collection events scheduled in Anthony on Monday, Aug. 10, and in Albuquerque on Thursday, Aug. 13.
Another event this year was hosted Monday, Aug. 3, in Portales.
People at all four events are being asked to complete an anonymous survey to help NMDA get a better sense of pesticide use in the state.
To learn more about the Pesticide Compliance Section and about the other ways NMDA serves New Mexicans, please visit http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu.
