Chemical containers

By Catherine Keena

From Monday, 31 July to Friday, 4 August, Offaly Co Council are offering farmers within Offaly an opportunity to dispose of clean farm chemical plastic containers, plastic meal bags and fertilizer bags. Ring 057 93 46895 for details.

Chemical containers

Agrochemical containers from crop and dairy production are considered hazardous. If not adequately cleaned, drained and dried, they can pose a risk to the safety of persons during subsequent handling and recycling of the containers. Plastic containers over two years old are considered hazardous. They can be disposed of through a hazardous waste company. Containers not properly rinsed cannot be recovered for recycling.

Follow label instructions or local regulations. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Avoid run-off or point source contamination during cleaning. Never clean in or close to rivers, ponds, wells or watercourses. Rinsing procedures are: pressure rinsing with static or rotating spray jet and valve with pressurised water; integrated rinsing with built-in static nozzle on induction hopper of sprayer; and Triple Rinsing.

Triple rinsing (manual)

On emptying the container allow contents to drain for an extra 30 seconds. Fill empty container 10-20% full of clean water. Replace cap securely. Shake container vigorously. Remove cap and add washings to the sprayer. Let the container drain for 30 seconds or more. Repeat twice.

Ensure threads around the opening of the container are clean. Puncture rinsed container to avoid re-use. Remove cap and allow container to dry before recycling.