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Agrichemical container collection dates released

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to save their empty agrichemical containers.
The department announced last week it has arranged to recycle them.   
Beginning in late July, sites throughout the state will collect the containers and recycle them into small plastic chips that will be used to make shipping pallets, fence posts, drainage tubing, plastic lumber and other useful products.
“This program offers farmers a convenient opportunity to dispose of empty pesticide containers and demonstrate their environmental stewardship,” said Agriculture Director Bob Flider.
“I would encourage them to gather any containers that they may have been planning to throw in the garbage and take them to the nearest collection site.”   
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, labels, booklets and foil seals.  
The program is a cooperative venture between the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Container Services Network, Illinois Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension.
To obtain a free brochure about the program, call the Illinois Department of Agriculture toll-free at 1-800-641-3934.
The collection sites and dates for the 2014 Pesticide Container Recycling Program include:
• Woolsey Brothers in Vandalia – Thursday, Aug. 28, 9-11 a.m. Contact person: Herb Woolsey, 283-1263.
• Effingham Equity in Montrose – Monday, Aug. 18, 9-11 a.m. Contact person: Rodney Schultz, 217-342-3123.
 

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