HONOLULU – The Pesticides Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) announced the extension of its free pesticide disposal program to the island of Moloka‘i in June. Moloka‘i farmers and other commercial users of pesticides are encouraged to participate in this initiative. According to Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, "The Pesticides Disposal Program has been very successful across the state and we are pleased to bring the program to Moloka‘i."
The statewide Pesticides Disposal Program (PDP) is specifically designed for commercial operations such as farms, licensed pest control operators, certified applicators, and state and county agencies. Pre-registration is required for Moloka‘i businesses interested in participating. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., and the drop-off day is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The exact location will be provided only to registered participants.
Household pesticides will not be accepted under this program, as it is tailored for commercial entities. The PDP aims to ensure the safe disposal of canceled, suspended, unwanted, or unlabeled pesticides from commercial operations to protect human and animal health, as well as the environment.
Interested participants can find the registration form and PDP information on the HDOA website. For further inquiries and registration assistance, they can contact EnviroServices & Training Center LLC at 808-456-3494 or via email at [email protected]
The PDP has already made a significant impact statewide, with successful collections in various regions. On O‘ahu, 7,700 pounds of pesticides were collected, on Kaua‘i nearly 4,000 pounds, on Maui over 7,100 pounds, and on Hawai‘i Island more than 7,300 pounds.
The PDP program not only serves agricultural operations like farms, ranches, nurseries, and greenhouse growers but also extends its benefits to pesticide dealers, licensed pest control operators, golf course operators, landscape professionals, and state and city agencies. Residential pesticide users are advised to contact the County of Maui for information on household hazardous waste disposal programs.
For more information about the Pesticides Disposal Program and registration details, interested parties can visit the HDOA website. The department remains committed to providing a safe and environmentally friendly solution for the disposal of pesticides in Hawai‘i.