The Pesticides Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is expanding the free pesticide disposal program to Kona and Hilo on Hawai‘i Island in April. Hawai‘i Island farms and other commercial users of pesticides, may register to safely dispose of canceled, suspended, unwanted or unlabeled pesticides in April 2024.

This Pesticides Disposal Program (PDP) is only for commercial operations such as farms, licensed pest control operators and certified applicators as well as state and county agencies. There are some restrictions (see list of acceptable and unacceptable pesticides). Household pesticides will not be accepted under this program.

The PDP drop-off events will be held on Hawai‘i Island:

• Kona – April 9, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Hilo – April 11, 2024. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Participants must register in advance. The registration deadline is Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. The exact drop-off location will be provided only to registered participants. The registration form and PDP information are available on the HDOA website at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/pesticide-disposal-program/. 

Questions regarding the program and registration assistance should be directed to: EnviroServices & Training Center LLC, phone: 808-456-3494, email: wm@gotoetc.com or fax at 808-839-4455.

The PDP is available to agricultural operations, including farms, ranches, nurseries and greenhouse growers. In addition, pesticide dealers, licensed pest control operators, golf course operators, landscape professionals, state and city agencies, and other commercial end users of pesticides are also eligible. Residential pesticides users are not eligible for this program and residents should contact the County of Hawai‘i Household Hazardous Waste Recycling and Disposal program for information regarding household hazardous waste disposal programs at: https://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/

“Proper disposal of old and unwanted pesticides is so important to protect human and animal health, as well as the environment,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “We urge all businesses and government agencies to take advantage of this free service.”

The list of acceptable and unacceptable pesticides, safety tips on transporting pesticides, PDP collection schedule, frequently asked questions, and the PDP registration form may be found at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/pesticide-disposal-program/

The statewide PDP program has been highly successful with collections on O‘ahu totaling 7,700 pounds, Kaua‘i almost 4,000 pounds and Maui more than 7,100 pounds of pesticides.