Protecting groundwater continues to be the driving force behind Michigan's pesticide container recycling efforts. Through a national program supported by the principal agri-chemical companies and state fees assessed on the sale of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers, Michigan has collected and recycled properly-rinsed plastic containers since 1993. The program in Michigan has collected nearly 725,000 pounds of plastic in that time.

The program is a marvel of cooperation and coordination among growers, agri-businesses, state government, and state and national associations. Through a network of over 90 agri-businesses, growers are able to easily return their used, properly cleaned plastic containers for recycling.

During the first two weeks of September, a contractor will visit Michigan to granulate the plastic containers at designated "grind sites", and take the material away for recycling into a variety of products. The program is coordinated in Michigan by Abby Eaton at the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Environmental Stewardship Division, Telephone: (517) 241-3933; Fax: (517) 335-3329; Email: eatona@michigan.gov.

Click here for a list of all open collection sites for the current collection season. Contact the one nearest you for information on how to recycle your 2 ½ gallon plastic pesticide containers.