Clean Sweep Programs - US Environmental Protection Agency

Summary of New Hampshire Waste Pesticide Disposal ProgramIn 1990, New Hampshire conducted an amnesty program for the collection and disposal ofagricultural pesticides. The program was limited to farmers, who could participate free of charge. Thecollection event had no limits on the amount of pesticides that could be brought to the collection site. About20,000 pounds of agricultural pesticides were collected and disposed, with participation of 132 farmers.The program was conducted at a direct cost of $75,000. No agricultural collection and disposal programshave been conducted in New Hampshire since the 1990 event.New Hampshire is in the process of adopting the Universal Waste Rule.In 1997, a questionnaire was distributed in an attempt to estimate the quantity of pesticides “outthere.” Even though responders didn’t have to identify themselves, the survey had an extremely low returnrate.The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Waste Management Division sponsorshousehold hazardous waste collection events throughout the state. Homeowners are allowed to bring smallquantities of pesticides to these events.YearNew Hampshire Table 1 - Quantity of Pesticides CollectedQuantity ofPesticides(pounds)Number ofParticipantsAverage Quantity ofPesticides perParticipant(pounds/participant)ProgramCostAverage Cost(per pound)1990 20,000 132 152 $75,000 $3.75TOTAL 20,000 132 152 $75,000 $3.75