Success StoryRinse and Return



Rinse and Return

Author: Matthew Adams

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Plan of Work: Agricultural Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Pesticide usage is a necessary part of modern conventional agriculture. One issue with pesticide use that most don’t think of is the amount of used plastic containers in which the pesticides are purchased in. A resurgence in use of these smaller containers has also come due to herbicide resistance issues promoting farmers to use different chemicals that are used at lower rates. Many of these containers will have very small traces of pesticides left on the inside of the containers, making them unsuitable for burning or disposal in a landfill. In August 2021, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service, along with Hardin County Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, conducted their annual “Rinse and Return” Program, where over 21 farms from Hardin County, along with 3 farm supply stores, representing over 40,000 acres of farmland, returned triple rinsed pesticide containers to a collection point at the Hardin County Road Department Garage. From there, the containers were baled, and loaded on a truck, where they were then ground and recycled into plastic fencing material or used to make more pesticide containers. Local farmers are very appreciative of our efforts and many stated that they would gladly recycle containers through our program rather than find other avenues for disposal of these containers. Proper disposal of these containers are vital to insure protection of our county’s clean water supply. 







Stories by Matthew Adams


Spray Clinic Teaches Stewardship

about 4 years ago by Matthew Adams

Herbicide application has evolved into a scientific process. With new products and technologies, new... Read More


PVAP Uses old program to add new value

about 4 years ago by Matthew Adams

With the recent downturn in cattle markets, many producers are left wondering what they can do to in... Read More


Stories by Hardin County CES


Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays

Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays

about 4 years ago by Amy Aldenderfer

Horticulture Webinar Wednesdayshttps://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/During t... Read More


COVID-19 and a change in Direction for the Horticulture Program

COVID-19 and a change in Direction for the Horticulture Program

about 4 years ago by Amy Aldenderfer

When the stay at home order came, the Hardin County Horticulture Agent had many classes planned for ... Read More