The Arkansas Department of Agriculture partners with several key organizations to implement the Abandoned Pesticide Program, including:
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
- Arkansas Farm Bureau
- Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality
- Local county governments
Each year, the Department selects up to ten counties to host collection events, aiming to eventually hold at least one event in every Arkansas county. County selection prioritizes watersheds and areas with high agricultural pesticide use.
Participation and Funding
- Participation is free and anonymous for farmers and non-industrial landowners.
- Collections are funded by pesticide manufacturers through a small fee included in the registration of agricultural pesticides in Arkansas.
- The number of collections each year depends on available program funding.
Participants are encouraged to complete and submit an inventory form before the collection event. This helps the Department confirm the types and quantities of pesticides that can be accepted.
Forms and Resources
- Agricultural Pesticide Disposal Program Pre-Registration Form (Online)
- Pre-Registration Form (Printable)
Upcoming Collection Locations
Note: Collection dates and locations are dependent on program funding and are subject to change.
Fall 2026: Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Scott, and Sebastian counties
Spring 2027: Ashley, Chicot, Desha, Drew, and Lincoln counties
Tips for Safely Transporting Agricultural Pesticides
Handle pesticides with care and always wear rubber gloves. Avoid breathing, touching, or ingesting pesticides. Always wash hands after handling pesticides or containers. Examine all pesticide containers before handling; be especially cautious when breaks, rips or leaks are
apparent.
Move pesticides in a safe container. Transporting pesticides in their original container is preferred, but rusty metal, brittle plastic and aged paper containers may be unsafe. If a container is unreliable, place it inside a larger container: a rigid plastic or metal container with a lid is recommended for liquids; a sealed plastic bag or cardboard box is adequate for solids. If a pesticide is not in its original container and you have its label, bring the label with to help identify it.
If there are pesticides in leaking and/or deteriorating packaging that is not safe to transport in the back of a truck, please make note of this on the “Inventory Form.” The hazardous waste disposal company may provide additional instruction on transport after reviewing the forms.
Secure the load during the trip to the disposal site: Prevent containers from bumping against other containers and breaking, overturning and spilling during transport. Boxes with cardboard inserts are ideal for separating containers. Load containers into the bed of a truck or trunk of a car: Do not transport pesticides in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Strap containers down tight to prevent movement in the vehicle, and cover containers with a tarp to protect them from wind and rain.
You are responsible for accidents or mishaps prior to arrival at the pesticide drop-off site,
please drive safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the program?
This program is meant for farmers who have old or unwanted agricultural pesticides. We are specifically targeting pesticides that are no longer being manufactured and pesticides that are no longer labeled for use. Traditionally farmers may have bought some of these pesticides in bulk to save money. This potentially lead to some farmers having these older pesticides stockpiled and looking for a way to dispose of these unwanted pesticides.
When are you coming to my county?
The program has serviced all 75 counties and will continue a statewide rotation as funding permits.
Will you take oil, gas, paint or other home products?
No. The Arkansas Abandoned Agricultural Pesticide Program is designed for agricultural pesticides only.
There is not a label on my pesticide container. Will you still take it?
Yes. We are able to take agricultural pesticides even if the label is no longer readable or present. Before disposal each pesticide is tested to determine the EPA approved proper disposal technique. This allows us to accept agricultural pesticides even without the label.
Is there any cost associated with participating in this program?
No. There is no cost for those participating in the program. This program is designed as a service to help farmers dispose of unwanted pesticides without the cost often associated with pesticide disposal.
What happens to the pesticides after the collection events?
The pesticides are taken to the hazardous waste contractor’s facility. At the facility they test, sort, and destroy the pesticides in accordance with EPA regulations for each product they identify.