Success StoryRinse and Return



Rinse and Return

Author: Matthew Adams

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

Plan of Work: Agricultural Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Initial 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 2018, 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 18 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


Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

about 3 years ago by Matthew Adams

Its been said that good fences make good neighbors, so why not combine both to create a new program?... Read More


PVAP Brings Added Value Down to the Farm

about 3 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


State Master Gardener Conference

State Master Gardener Conference

about 3 years ago by Amy Aldenderfer

In October 2020, the Lincoln Trail Area Master Gardener Association, with the guidance and technolog... Read More


“Kentucky State University Brings Innovative Programs to Elizabethtown Kentucky thru Technology in Nutrition Education Videos & Newsletters”

“Kentucky State University Brings Innovative Programs to Elizabethtown Kentucky thru Technology in Nutrition Education Videos & Newsletters”

about 3 years ago by Chandra DeRamus

“Kentucky State University Brings Innovative Programs to Elizabethtown Kentucky thru Technology in N... Read More