For a minor spill of pesticide concentrate less than a gallon at a customer's property, is it appropriate to soak up the material and throw it away in the nearest trashcan?

For a minor spill of pesticide concentrate less than a gallon at a customer's property, is it appropriate to soak up the material and throw it away in the nearest trashcan?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if the absorbent is biodegradable
• D. Only if customer approves

Answer: (B)

Spill cleanup requires containment and proper disposal, not throwing it in the trash. Even a small pesticide spill should be soaked up with an inert absorbent, then the contaminated absorbent and any reusable cleanup materials must be collected in a sealed container clearly labeled as pesticide waste. This waste is then disposed of according to the product label directions and local regulations—typically through a pesticide waste program or a hazardous-waste facility. Draining, composting, or tossing the contaminated absorbent into the nearest trash can can spread contamination and violate safety rules. The correct approach is to treat the cleanup as pesticide waste and arrange for proper disposal.

Spill cleanup requires containment and proper disposal, not throwing it in the trash. Even a small pesticide spill should be soaked up with an inert absorbent, then the contaminated absorbent and any reusable cleanup materials must be collected in a sealed container clearly labeled as pesticide waste. This waste is then disposed of according to the product label directions and local regulations—typically through a pesticide waste program or a hazardous-waste facility. Draining, composting, or tossing the contaminated absorbent into the nearest trash can can spread contamination and violate safety rules. The correct approach is to treat the cleanup as pesticide waste and arrange for proper disposal.