May 1, 2009

LANSING - With warmer weather right around the corner, many Michiganians are starting their annual spring-cleaning ritual around the house. The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is urging Michigan residents to utilize the department’s Clean Sweep program - a free collection and disposal program to properly dispose of potentially dangerous, outdated pesticides.

“MDA’s Clean Sweep program helps protect our natural resources and works to prevent pesticide pollution,” said Don Koivisto, MDA Director. “Thanks to this program, and through public-private partnerships, we are able to provide a more secure and thriving environment for Michigan families and agribusinesses.”

Michigan Clean Sweep collects and safely disposes of outdated, unused, unwanted, and potentially harmful pesticides like DDT and chlordane as well as lead arsenate. Mercury will also be accepted in addition to pesticides. The state, in cooperation with local and federal partners, has established permanent 15 Clean Sweep sites located throughout Michigan to accept these materials at no cost from any Michigan resident, including homeowners, renters, farmers, golf courses, agri-businesses, and other individuals.

Started in 1996, Clean Sweep is made possible by a variety of resources and entities. Construction of sites is funded primarily by grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with support from local units of government and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. MDA, through its Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, funded with fees paid by pesticide users, helps coordinate the program and pays for the safe and proper disposal of pesticides dropped off at sites. Local units of government staff and maintain the sites, as well as schedule collections and conduct other activities.

For more information and a list of Clean Sweep sites across Michigan visit www.michigan.gov/mda or call 517-241-0236.