Pesticide storage and waste

Overview

The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act governs the safe display, storage and handling of pesticides. It also covers the management of pesticide releases.

Storing pesticides

Details of pesticide storage regulations can be found in the Pesticide Storage: Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines document (Schedule 1 and 2). It is a summary of the relevant regulatory requirements and operational guidelines.

The regulations apply to anyone who stores commercial and restricted class pesticides. These pesticides are listed in Schedule 1 and 2 of the provincial pesticide regulations. 

They govern storage of pesticides by:

• pesticide wholesalers and retailers
• warehouse distribution centres
• pesticide applicators
• service registration holders

The requirements do not apply to anyone storing domestic (lawn and garden) pesticides.

Pesticide storage regulations

• Pesticide Storage: Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines (Schedule 1 and 2)
• Pesticide Sales, Handling Use and Application Regulation

Mobile storage

A mobile pesticide storage facility includes a vehicle or trailer (mobile or stationary) that stores pesticide.

• The Mobile Pesticide Storage Facility Guidelines include the requirements and guidelines for storing pesticides in a mobile storage facility.

Pesticide waste

Pesticide waste includes:

• empty pesticide containers
• leftover product (concentrate or solution)
• pesticide rinsate
• treated seed

Pesticide rinsate can be disposed of as mix water in spraying operations (read the label for the appropriate dilution). You can spray the rinsate over the treated area but must not exceed the label rate.

Treated seed

Treated seed must be disposed of properly to protect the environment, livestock and wildlife.

Pesticide containers

There are about 100 empty pesticide container collection sites in Alberta. These can be found through Cleanfarms. 

Cleanfarms, a non-profit environmental organization, provides a collection service from the pesticide container collection sites. It partners with ag-retailers and municipalities to collect empty commercial pesticide containers across Canada. In Alberta, containers are collected at least once every year.

More information

• Disposal of Pesticide Waste and Treated Seeds

Contact

Connect with Outreach Services:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 310-3773 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Outside Alberta: 780-944-0313
Toll free: 1-877-944-0313
Email: [email protected]

Mailing address
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Outreach Services
9th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza 
9920 108 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8