Program Goals:

1. To dispose of pesticide containers in a cost-effective, environmentally sound way which benefits agriculture and the community.
2. To encourage resource conservation by recycling plastic containers.
3. To protect public health.
4. To lessen financial impact on farmers and agricultural businesses.

Acceptable Container Requirements

1. Type:  Non-refillable HDPE containers      (HDPE #2).
2. Prior Use:  EPA registered agricultural       products.
3. Users: Growers or Commercial Applicators.
4. Sizes:  Up to 55 gallon capacity drums.
5. Cleaning:  Containers must be empty, triple or pressure rinsed and punctured at time of use, then allowed to dry. Staining is acceptable; caked-on residue is not.
6. Storage:  Keep empty containers in a building or under a tarp.
7. Parts & Caps:  Remove all non-HDPE parts including caps, metal handles, rubber linings, plastic seals, bungs, labels and booklets. 

NOTICE
Containers not meeting the above-stated requirements or those that once held motor oil, fuel, or antifreeze will be refused and may cause the load to be rejected in its entirety.  If contamination is detected post-delivery, San Joaquin County will contact the person or entity that made delivery of prohibited waste. The contaminants must then be removed from the premises by the deliverer within 48 hours from the time of notification and must be disposed of as prescribed by state and federal laws. Proof of proper disposal (documents and/or manifests) will be required and shall be provided to San Joaquin County Public Works, Solid Waste Division. If not safely and lawfully removed within the 48 hour period, San Joaquin County will contract with a hazardous waste hauler for removal and legal disposal. The person or entity that made delivery shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with the handling and disposal of prohibited material.

Disposal Procedures for Plastic Containers

FREE RECYCLING DAY:

1. Follow ACRC requirements for acceptable materials.
2. Containers will be certified by an inspector from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at the disposal site.
3. No gate fees will be charged for plastic containers.  If garbage or other materials are included in the load, a fee is charged.
4. Off-load containers as instructed.

ON AN UNSCHEDULED DAY:

1. Follow ACRC requirements for acceptable materials.
2. Arrange to have containers inspected and certified by an inspector from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office before they are taken to an authorized disposal site.
   1. Stockton -  953-6000
   2. Lodi  -  331-7287
   3. Simms Station -  468-5542 or 838-2276
3. Take your containers to the disposal site.
4. Normal gate fees will be charged.
5. Off-load containers as instructed. 

Agricultural Pesticide Container Recycling is sponsored by:
San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors
For more information contact:
Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Division
(209) 468-3066 or
Office of the Agricultural Commissioner
(209) 468-3300

Other Resources
The following provide incentives, assistance and rebates for improving the effects of agriculture on the community:

PG&E:

• Greenhouse Heat Curtains & Infrared Film
  
• Sprinkler Nozzles and Drip Irrigation
  
• Refrigeration and Solar Projects
  
• Wineries & Vineyards, Tank Insulation
  
• Dairies
  
• Ag Combustion Engine Conversion Incentive
• www.pge.com  or call 1-800-468-4743

SJ Valley Air:

• Heavy Duty Engine Incentive Program
• www.valleyair.org  or call (209) 557-6472

Valley CAN (Clean Air Now):

• Valley CAN has grants available for projects that improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley.
  
• www.valley-can.org  or call (800) 806-2004