In the latest Farmer’s Inside Track episode, Gerhard Verdoorn, the operations and stewardship manager at CropLife SA, shared crucial insights on the proper disposal of pesticide containers and leftover products.
The discussion shed light on the significance of responsible waste management and the role that individuals, including farmers and consumers, play in safeguarding the environment and human health.
Verdoorn emphasised the importance of proper disposal of pesticide packaging, highlighting the potential risks associated with failing to do so.
Working with harmful substances
“We’re not working with normal stuff that sits in a packaging like a foodstuff or a cold drink. We’re working with other substances that may be harmful and that are carried around in some form of container,” Verdoorn explained.
He stressed that inadequate cleaning or decontamination of these containers could lead to environmental pollution and pose health risks to humans and wildlife.
“Remember, there’s a legal obligation upon all of us to make sure we clean all the packaging properly. But there’s also the ethical one to make sure that we don’t pollute ourselves and the environment,” Verdoorn cautioned. He recounted instances where improper cleaning had resulted in poisoning, underscoring the need for responsible disposal practices.
Follow proper disposal procedures
As for obsolete pesticides, Verdoorn classified them as highly hazardous substances, posing even greater risks than pesticide packaging.
“According to the FAO specifications for pesticide waste, any obsolete pesticide is of the highest possible risk to people. In other words, we call it HH (highly hazardous) pesticide,” he clarified. The National Environmental Management: Waste Act outlines strict rules for containing and disposing of these substances.
Verdoorn highlighted the pivotal role played by CropLife SA in managing pesticide waste. “As a product responsibility organisation, we have to take care of pesticides that became obsolete after the date when we were registered by the department of forestry, fisheries and environment as a product responsibility organisation,” he explained.
He shared that their members contribute to a central fund dedicated to waste generation, recycling and disposal. Through this initiative, CropLife SA aims to eliminate obsolete pesticides in the country and raise awareness about proper disposal practices.
Awareness lays the foundation
CropLife SA’s efforts extend beyond legislation compliance. Verdoorn emphasised the significance of education and awareness. “Awareness I think forms the base of the pyramid of the whole waste management cycle,” he noted.
The organisation conducts training courses, workshops, interviews, and articles to disseminate information about proper disposal and recycling practices. Verdoorn believes that repetition is key to institutionalising responsible waste management habits.
In conclusion, Verdoorn stressed that everyone, from farmers to consumers, has a role to play in ensuring proper disposal of pesticide waste. “It is our duty to inform our society out there that we have a solution,” he asserted. By adopting the recommended practices, individuals can minimise the environmental impact of pesticide waste, protect human health, and contribute to the circular economy.
The insights shared by Verdoorn underscore the critical importance of responsible waste management in the agriculture sector. As awareness and education continue to spread, the agricultural community can collectively make a significant positive impact on the environment and the well-being of all.
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