The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division and NC Cooperative Extension in Pender County hosted a Pesticide Collection Day on March 4, 2026, providing farmers and homeowners with a safe, responsible way to dispose of old, unwanted, or unused pesticides.

Proper disposal of pesticide products is essential to protecting the environment and preventing accidental exposure. Containers stored in garages, sheds, or barns—particularly in areas without temperature control—can deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of leaks and spills. Pesticides cannot be disposed of on the ground or in household trash destined for landfills. Through state funding, NCDA&CS offers this collection program to ensure these materials are handled and disposed of safely.

During this year’s event, participants turned in 139 pesticide containers totaling 1,323 pounds. These materials will now be properly managed, preventing potential groundwater contamination and eliminating the risk of costly environmental cleanup or structural damage to storage areas.

Pender County hosts this program every two years. The next local collection event is anticipated in March or April 2028. Neighboring counties will hold similar collection events over the next two years.

For a complete schedule of upcoming pesticide collection dates, visit the NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division website at:

https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/structural-pest-control-and-pesticides.