BASSETERRE ST. Kitts, September 24th, 2012 -- Unless empty pesticide containers are managed correctly, they are hazardous to humans, animals and the environment. It is dangerous to reuse empty pesticide containers for storing food and water, which could result in pesticide poisonings. Containers abandoned in the environment can lead to pesticide pollution in soil, groundwater and marine life.
The proper disposal of pesticides is of international concern that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) has published an International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides: Guidelines on Management Options for Empty Pesticide Containers, 2008.
This document serves to highlight the theme for Pesticides Awareness Week 2012; “Protect health & the environment through pesticides container management”. Pesticide container management is of paramount importance to health and the environment and the proper handling and disposal of empty pesticide containers is an important stage in the responsible use of pesticides.
The Pesticides & Toxic Chemicals Control Board of St. Kitts-Nevis along with our Caribbean counterparts will be celebrating this theme during the week of September 23rd-28th 2012. The week of activities will include airing of a three minute video on the “Triple Rinse” technique during the television show “Agriculture in Context” (ZIZ), distribution of a fun, learning activity about pesticides to all high schools and a workshop for stakeholders in the pesticide industry about registration and licensing procedures for controlled products (pesticides & toxic chemicals).
This year, attention will be focused on the Triple Rinse technique which is a simple, easy and cost effective cleaning methodology for our economy and environment. Triple rinsing is the method to use in the absence of ad hoc mechanical rinsing equipment. It can be used to clean all sizes of containers. The Triple Rinse technique is as follows: Step one; partially fill container with water and replace cover, Step 2; shake well and empty contents into sprayer (Repeat step one and step two, two more times) and Step three; puncture container and discard. Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Users of pesticides including pest control operators, importers, farmers, researchers and householders are encouraged to utilize this technique here in the federation of St. Kitts-Nevis. The safe and environmentally sound management of containers at the end of their life is a responsibility for all. Remember, “Protect health & the environment through pesticides container management”.
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