FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Writer: Sarah Roderick
Communications Assistant, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
Contact: Jenny Green
Communications Specialist, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu
Office: 575-646-3060
Cell: 575-202-4249
Oct. 4, 2023
New Mexico Department of Agriculture to host pesticide disposal events in October
Free pesticide disposal events in Farmington, Roswell
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) will host two pesticide disposal events in October. The first event will be held Oct. 24 at McGee Park, located at 41 Road 5568 in Farmington. The second event will be held Oct.26 at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, located at 2500 SE Main Street in Roswell. Both events will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event is free to the public and is available to all farmers, ranchers and New Mexico residents who need to dispose of unwanted pesticides. All types of pesticides will be collected, including, but not limited to, pesticide rinsate or treated seeds.
NMDA hosts pesticide disposal events several times a year throughout the state, giving the agricultural industry, pest control industry and the general public the opportunity to dispose of unwanted pesticides properly and safely.
“Pesticide disposal should be handled safely, properly, and that’s why these events are critical,” said NMDA Agricultural and Environmental Services Assistant Division Director Stephen Baca. “We want to assist as many people in the state as we can with this service. We hope that homeowners, business owners and others with pesticides to dispose of in Farmington, Roswell and surrounding areas in New Mexico take advantage of this opportunity.”
NMDA partners with Clean Earth to ensure the proper disposal of all pesticides collected at the events.
“Proper pesticide waste disposal is an important part of responsible pesticide use. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water,” said Richard Creed, program manager at Clean Earth. “We enjoy working with NMDA in an effort to maintain proper disposal of used pesticides.”
Individuals attending either event should stay inside their vehicle unless directed otherwise. Staff will direct traffic flow and obtain information as needed. Please follow the directions from NMDA staff to ensure the safety of those at the event. No registration is required to participate.
NMDA will not accept large pesticide gas cylinders due to safety concerns.
For more information, please call 575-646-2134 or email pesticides@nmda.nmsu.edu.
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