Maine residents can participate in the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program, which aims to safeguard Maine’s natural resources and prevent agricultural pollution by promoting the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused or unwanted pesticides. 

It is a joint initiative by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Board of Pesticides Control and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.  

According to a news release from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, homeowners and family-owned farms are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by disposing their unwanted pesticides and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home at drop-off locations. The program only accepts pesticides and spray adjuvants. 

The next obsolete pesticide collection days will be held during October, with one-day events in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta and Portland. Registration is required by Sept. 29 to participate; drop-ins are not permitted. Each registration must be from the person currently possessing the pesticides, and materials collected on behalf of others will not be accepted.  

Registration instructions, forms, drop-off locations and the obsolete pesticides inventory form will be provided soon on the website thinkfirstspraylast.org.  

Check out other upcoming area events!