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FRANKFORT, Ky. — Two environmental programs in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture are closing in on important milestones as Earth Day 2005 draws near. The Rinse and Return Program is approaching 1 million pounds of plastic chemical containers collected, and the farm chemical collection program is nearing 500,000 pounds.
“I am committed to a safer, cleaner and healthier Kentucky,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “These efforts are important parts of the Department’s mission as a consumer protection and service agency. They play a significant role in preserving our environment. Rinse and Return saves landfill space, and chemical collection assures safe disposal of unwanted and outdated farm chemicals.”
“Most of us will celebrate Earth Day on Friday, but for farmers, every day is Earth Day,” Commissioner Farmer added. “Farmers depend on a healthy environment more than anyone else. They are among this country’s most faithful stewards of the land.”
The Rinse and Return Program has collected 956,503 pounds of pesticide containers since its inception with more than 100 counties participating. It started out in 1991 with three participating counties and gathered 10,000 pounds of material in the first year. KDA field technicians believe the 1 million pound mark can be achieved this year.
The Rinse and Return Program is a voluntary, cooperative program sponsored by the Agri-Business Association of Kentucky (ABAK). Other partners include Farm Bureau, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and its county agents, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the local conservation districts, but ABAK provides the primary assistance for outreach materials and organizational information.
The chemical collection program has picked up 441,595 pounds to date. An Amnesty Day program coordinated by the Kentucky Division of Conservation began the chemical collection program in 1991. KDA formed its own program in 1995, and it now reaches more than 100 counties. Pesticide collection is already underway this year, and the participation level from farmers is on an upswing. The May collection, which is coming up, is usually heavier than the November collection.
Mini-bulk container recycling for containers with a capacity of 15 gallons or larger is provided by KDA along with the Kentucky Fertilizer and Agricultural Chemical Association. Launched in 2000, it is the first statewide crop protectant mini-bulk recycling program in the United States. The demand for this program exceeded expectations. KDA environmental technicians have collected 38,889 pounds.
“I encourage dealers and producers to take advantage of these programs,” said Commissioner Farmer. “Only by working together can we keep our environment safe and clean.”For more information about the Rinse and Return, chemical collection or mini-bulk recycling programs, contact the Division of Environmental Services toll-free at 1-800-205-6543.
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