By Scout Nelson
North Dakota's Project Safe Send returns this July to help farmers, ranchers, pesticide dealers, government agencies, homeowners, and the public safely dispose of unusable pesticides. The free program allows participants to remove old, banned, or unwanted pesticides in a safe and legal way while protecting the environment and public health.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encouraged everyone to check storage buildings, sheds, and other storage areas for unwanted pesticides before collection events begin. The program accepts herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and other unusable pesticide products at no cost. It is funded through pesticide product registration fees paid by manufacturers.
“Over the past 34 years, thousands of people have brought more than 6.8 million pounds of chemicals to Project Safe Send,” Goehring said. “It is a safe, simple and non-regulatory program that helps people safely and legally get rid of unusable pesticides at no charge.”
Participants should place leaking or damaged containers inside larger containers with absorbent material before transporting them. Free heavy-duty plastic bags are also available through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture for anyone who needs additional protection during transport.
People bringing more than 1,000 pounds of pesticides must pre-register at least one week before attending their chosen collection site. No registration is required for smaller amounts. Each participant may bring up to 5,000 pounds of pesticides and is limited to one shuttle. Pesticide distributors and agronomy centers may dispose of up to 3,000 pounds and should also pre-register if bringing the maximum amount.
For registration, plastic bags, or additional information, participants may contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 701-425-3016 or jpotts@nd.gov.
The Collection will take place from 8:00 a.m. to noon at North Dakota Department of Transportation facilities in Casselton (July 7, 2026), Jamestown (July 8, 2026), Bismarck (July 9, 2026), Dickinson (July 10, 2026), Williston (July 13, 2026), Rugby (July 14, 2026), Devils Lake (July 15, 2026), and Larimore (July 16, 2026).
“Check your storage areas for any unusable pesticides and safely set them aside for Project Safe Send,” Goehring said. “If the containers are deteriorating or leaking, pack them in larger containers with absorbent materials. Free heavy-duty plastic bags are available from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture if needed.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig
Categories: North Dakota, General