As the good weather continues, farmers are entering their peak time for spraying. As such, it’s worth reminding readers of the proper method for disposal of plant protection product (PPP) containers.

These empty containers arise from using plant protection products such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides on crops and grassland.

The correct procedure centres on triple rinsing empty containers, storing them and then bringing them to an authorised farm plastic collection centre.

Based on existing statutory requirements of good plant protection practice outlined in SI No 83 of 2003, when PPP containers are correctly rinsed and managed as described below can be classified as nonhazardous waste.

The classification of these containers as non-hazardous waste allows for the implementation of the best practicable environmental option.

Overview of steps

  • Step 1 - Triple rinse empty plant protection product containers after use and wash container caps and threads.
  • Step 2 - Inspect and fully drain the triple rinsed containers.
  • Step 3 - Puncture empty PPP containers.
  • Step 4 - Purchase Farm Plastic Recycling Ltd bags from your local co-op or agri merchant.
  • Step 5 - Place the triple rinsed, clean and punctured PPP containers and washed caps in the recycling bags.
  • Step 6 - Store bags in a safe dry place while filling.
  • Step 7 - Bring filled recycling bags to your local authorised bring centre. The location and dates of the bring centres are available on the Farm Plastics Recycling website.

    • Steps 1-3 triple rinsing and puncturing

    PPP containers should be immediately triple rinsed after emptying. Triple rinsing involves three sequential separate rinsings and should always be carried out as follows:

  • A - Drain the empty PPP container fully into the sprayer.

  • B - Fill the empty container 10% to 20% full of water, replace cap securely.

  • C - Shake the container vigorously.

  • D - Remove the cap, add the washings to the sprayer and let the containers drain for 30 seconds or more. Repeat steps B to D three times to ensure that the containers are clean.

    • Triple rinsing involves three sequential separate rinsing’s

    In addition to the triple rinse procedure, the following steps should be undertaken:

  • Carefully rinse any plant protection product residue on the outside of the container and add to the content of the sprayer for use.

  • The threads of the container must be washed and free of residue and the cap washed and retained for collection and recycling.
  • Inspect the containers after triple rinsing to ensure that all visible residues are removed.

  • Containers should be fully drained before being offered for collection and recycling.
  • Empty, rinsed and fully drained containers should be punctured to prevent re-use.

    • Steps 4-6 ,anagement of PPP containers on farms

    Currently, Farm Plastic Recycling Ltd, in partnership with IFFPG, is the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of operating a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastic waste.

    However, in line with national guidelines designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, IFFPG has postponed its April bring-centres until further notice.

    Only PPP containers and caps presented in Farm Plastics Recycling Ltd. bags will be accepted.

    Only triple rinsed PPP containers managed under this compliance scheme will be deemed to be non-hazardous waste. The following steps need to be undertaken by farmers/contractors to ensure compliance with the collection scheme offered by Farm Plastics Recycling Ltd.

    Currently recycling bags can be purchased at the local co-op or agri-merchant. Recycling bags are manufactured from durable low density polyethylene (LDPE).

    One bag (2,400mm x 1,350mm x 1,150mm) can hold approximately 80 chemical containers (1, 5, 20 litres). Instructions are provided on the recycling bags for different waste categories.

    Place the triple rinsed, clean and punctured PPP containers and washed caps in the recycling bag.

    Place only one waste type per bag; that is the bag should contain only triple rinsed PPP containers and caps.

    Store bags in a safe dry place while filling.

    Bring filled bags to your local authorised bring centre. Until the bring centres reopen, it is advised to keep the bags in a dry secure location.

    Step 7 authorised bring centre

    Only PPP containers and caps presented in Farm Plastics Recycling Ltd bags will be accepted. Bags containing PPP containers will be tagged with the farmers’ identification details.

    The bags and PPP containers will be inspected by the Farm Plastics Recycling contractor at the bring centre. Any PPP containers that are contaminated will be rejected.

    Inspectors from the local authorities may carry out site inspections on the day of collection to inspect the wastes to ensure that the wastes presented for collection are appropriate.

    The recycling bags are taken by the contractor operating on behalf of Farm Plastics Recycling Ltd to an authorised facility, where they are again inspected further, bulked and baled. Bales of containers are delivered onwards to a facility for recycling and reprocessing.