IDOA to offer free recycling program for agrichemical containers in Bowen, Blandinsville

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) encourages farmers and agrichemical facilities to take part in a free agrichemical container recycling program. Beginning in the middle of July and continuing into August, sites throughout the state will collect containers that are recycled to make shipping pallets.

“This program grows in popularity each year because it provides a safe and convenient way for farmers and agrichemical facilities to dispose of empty pesticide containers,” IDOA Director Jerry Costello II said in a press release. “Repurposing the plastic into pallets is far better for the environment than shipping them off to landfills.”

Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible for the recycling program.  Collection sites will accept only high-density polyethylene, No. 2 plastic agrichemical containers that are clean and dry.  Participants are responsible for rinsing them and removing all caps, valves, metal, labels, booklets and foil seals. Participants are responsible for cutting off the top and bottom of plastic drums and cutting the side of the drum from top to bottom. 

Mini-Bulk and Intermediate Bulk containers can be recycled via the Department’s container recycling program by making the following container preparations:  Mini-Bulk (cage) containers are required to be cut into separate top, bottom and sides, fittings discarded (no metal, no wood) (six slabs of plastic).  Intermediate Bulk Containers are to be cut in to one-foot square pieces, fittings discarded (no metal, no wood).  G. Phillips and Sons, LLC is offering services to pick up Mini-Bulk and Intermediate Bulk containers throughout the year. Contact them at 678-232-6047 to learn more.

The local permanent collection site is located at Logan Agri Service Inc. in Griggsville. Contact Josh Schaver at 217-833-2375 for more information.

The following are single-day collection sites:

• Chem-Gro, Inc.-Bowen- Hours are 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, July 28. Contact Todd Nelson 217-842-5514 for more information.
• Nutrien Ag Sol, Inc.-Blandinsville-Hours are 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 28. Contact Travis Weaver at 309-652-3694 for more information.

To obtain a free brochure about the program, call IDOA toll free at 1-800-641-3934.

The program is a cooperative venture between IDOA, the Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK, Inc., the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, G. Phillips and Sons, LLC, the Illinois Farm Bureau and the University of Illinois Extension.