Discarded Pesticide Containers

Number: 1980-15

 

WHEREAS, over 1 billion pounds of pesticide are used domestically in the United States each year; and

WHEREAS, discarded pesticide containers contain an estimated 4 million pounds of pesticide residue capable of entering the environment; and

WHEREAS, at least half of the states do not regulate the disposal of pesticides by individuals; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has published recommended procedures for disposal and storage of pesticide containers that are only binding on Federal agencies or where Federal funds or property are involved; and

WHEREAS, section 136q of the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972 requires the EPA Administrator to establish procedures and regulations for the disposal or storage of packages and containers of pesticides, but he has failed thus far to do so;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby urges EPA to expeditiously establish the procedures and regulations mandated by section 136q of the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act.