Recycling Large Pesticide Containers
RECYCLING PLASTIC PESTICIDE CONTAINERS The Department of Pesticide Regulation, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, operates a Reduced Risk Pesticide Program in South Carolina. A portion of this effort is to coordinate, in concert with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and county landfills, a plastic pesticide container recycling program. Pesticide containers must be
- properly jet or triple rinsed,
- less than 6 gallons,
- clean, dry, and
- have the container cap removed.
Clean containers must then be kept dry and clean by storing in a covered shelter, in plastic bags, or under a tarp, etc., until transport to the pesticide chipper location for recycling. Large bags for storage are available from Cady Bag Co. of Pearson, GA at (912)422-3298 and Diversco, Inc. of Spartanburg at (864)579-3420. Clean plastic pesticide containers can be brought to Department of Pesticide Regulation "Chipper Day" locations or to the county landfill to be ground up for recycling. There is no charge for this service. You can call the Department of Pesticide Regulation at (803)772-0766 or (864)646-2150 for the pesticide recycling date and location nearest you.
RECYCLING METAL PESTICIDE CONTAINERS
Many metal pesticide
containers could be reconditioned by drum reconditioners. Drum
reconditioners are interested mainly in the large 30- to 55-gallon
containers. Most specify that they be in good condition; that is, this
year's containers. Drum reconditioners also require that pesticide
containers be triple rinsed. A number of drum reconditioners in South
Carolina are willing to handle pesticide containers and will pay for
these pesticide containers.
Following is a list of nearby drum reconditioners:
| Company | Special handling Instructions |
| Reusable Packaging and Container
Systems, LLC 8570 S. Chicago Road Oak Creek, WI 53154 PHONE: 1-866-4REPACS FAX: (414)762-1623 |
Eleven
independent and geographically diverse steel and plastic drum reconditioning
facilities have joined together to form REPAC Systems, LLC. Georgia, North
Carolina, and Tennessee all have REPACS facilities. |
| Drumco of Tennessee Contact: Dave Wingard 3299 Tulane Road Memphis, TN 38116 901-396-6484 |
Will handle 30-55 gallon drums. Must have empty certification (EPA 261.7) and triple-rinse certification (EPA 261.33 (e). Call for pickup and other charges. |
| Evans Industry, Inc. 1255 Peters Road Drawer 68 Harvey, LA 70059 504-368-6000 |
Will handle 55 gallon drums, minimum gauge 20/18, DOT spec. 17-E, 17-C, 5-B. Drums must be triple rinsed or handled as hazardous waste. Will pick up at at least 200 containers within 800 miles. |
| McConnell Drum Service Contact: Mary McConnell 5880 New Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30340 770-451-1100 |
Will recondition and/or dispose all types of containers. Drums must be triple rinsed with certification. Will pick up at least 300 containers within 300 miles. |
| Moore Drums, Inc. Contact: John Johnson 2819 Industrial Avenue Charleston, SC 29405 1-800-868-5499 |
Will handle 30 and 55 gallon steel or plastic containers on approval. Drums must be triple rinsed. Will pick up 50-100 containers within 300 miles. |
|
Reusable Industrial Packaging Association
(RIPA) |
Originally known as the National Barrel and Drum Association and for a time was also known as the Association of Container Reconditioners |
| Industrial
Container Services (ICS) Contact: Bill Olvey 6191 Jones Ave. PO Box 278 Zellwood, FI 32798 407-889-5500 or 800-432-6908 |
Will handle 30 and 50 gallon steel and Polyurethane drums, minimum gauge 20118. All bungs must be in tight; drums be EPA empty (40 CFR 261.7). Must be certified triple rinsed. |
