Let’s face it, when most people think of plant health care, they think about solving a customer’s problems and getting rid of the pests causing the problems. What they don’t think about – until the moment of truth arrives – is what to do with that half-empty jug of pesticide living rent free in the shop. As someone who’s spent more time in personal protective equipment (PPE) than in pajamas, I’m here to champion not just the health of your plants, but also the well-being of you, your community and the environment. And yes, also to remind you that regulatory compliance, while not often the stuff of page-turners, can actually save your soil, your wallets and sometimes your sanity.

Fulvio Ciccolo/Unsplash

Why bother with plant health care?
Plant health care (PHC) is more than just battling aphids or scolding your ficus. It’s a holistic approach that blends preventive care, monitoring and, when needed, strategic intervention – sometimes in the form of pesticides. Healthy plants mean vibrant ecosystems, better air quality and, thanks to pollinators, food on your table. Think of it as plant insurance, only with fewer annoying commercials.

But even the most knowledgeable PHC professional faces the tough reality; sometimes you just need to use pesticides. When that day comes, a new challenge emerges – how to responsibly dispose of what’s left. This is where things can get, ahem, regulatory.

The regulatory web: Federal, state and local – oh my!
Before we get lost and become redundant in the labyrinth of acronyms (FIFRA, RCRA, EPA – no, they’re not new dating apps), let’s break down why these rules exist. Pesticides, while invaluable in combating threats to plant health, contain chemicals that can wreak havoc on water supplies, wildlife and even human health if not handled properly.

• Federal regulations: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), via the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), sets the baseline for pesticide usage and disposal across the country. All pesticides must be registered, and their labels are, in fact, legal documents – yes, that tiny print is the law!
• State rules: States can – and often do – add their own twists. Some require specific disposal practices, additional permitting or tighter restrictions on certain chemicals. Translation: What’s legal in Texas may get you a stern talking-to – or worse – in Vermont.
• Local ordinances: Communities sometimes pass even more specific rules to protect local waterways, parks or sensitive species.

Don’t “just dump it”
Let’s be honest: It’s tempting to pour leftovers somewhere, toss old containers in the trash or (gasp!) dig a “secret” hole somewhere. But doing so can have real consequences.

• Environmental harm: Improper disposal can pollute groundwater, harm aquatic life and disrupt entire ecosystems. “But it’s just a little bit!” everyone says, right before their fish start floating upside down.
• Legal repercussions: Those laws? They come with fines – and, in egregious cases, criminal charges. Try explaining to the neighbors why there’s a hazmat team on your client’s lawn. And remember, unintended consequences of errors like this also can ruin your brand reputation.
• Personal safety: Pesticide residues can linger, exposing children, pets or wildlife long after you’ve “cleaned up.” That’s not the type of legacy you want to leave behind.
• Your wallet: Let’s face it, these products are not cheap. Why would you leave them unused to eventually need to be discarded? Proper planning prevents poor performance, and you can plan appropriately and use what you have purchased when you abide by label recommended rates.

So what is the right way?
Here’s a step-by-step guide, with fewer plot twists than a soap opera and more practical advice than a family member at Thanksgiving.

1. Read the label: I know, I know. It’s not exactly beach reading. But the label tells you how to store, use and dispose of the pesticide. Remember: “The label is the law.”
2. Use it up: The best method? Use all products as intended. Planning your applications starts with the sales process. Building strong foundations in your CRM (customer relationship management) platform can help ensure not only compliance with your state regulations, but you also can better align application rates with specific issues in accordance with label recommended rates. And you may possibly be able to maintain recordkeeping aligned and in an electronic format, saving a few more $$$ daily. The sales process improves because you are then able to talk about the treatment recommendation with confidence, while setting proper expectations with your customer and your application teams. Everyone is on the same page!
3. Check for Department of Agriculture collection programs: Your local extension office can provide information about any pesticide disposal programs and container drop-off locations (after being triple rinsed, of course).
4. Store safely until disposal: Can’t dispose of it right away? Store pesticides in their original containers, tightly sealed and away from water sources. Pro tip: “Mystery jugs” are never a good surprise, and a jug without a label is not recommended or legal.
5. Clean containers carefully: Triple rinse empty containers (using rinse water as part of your next application, per label instructions), puncture them and follow recycling or disposal guidelines.
6. Don’t forget about state and local rules: That’s right – double check! A quick call to your local extension office can save you from regulatory headaches and awkward dinner-party stories.

Common pitfalls (and how to dodge them)

• Mixing old with new: Resist the urge to “top off” containers with new product. This isn’t a soda fountain – mixing chemicals can cause dangerous reactions.
• Buying more than you need: Many distribution outlets will offer early-order programs. These might be great opportunities to save some money when planning your next season’s PHC, but if you don’t know how much you will need and you don’t plan properly, you can end up with a bunch of products you may not use.
• Some products may have expiration dates, and some products, if not stored properly – and in accordance with label recommendations – may not be as effective as they once were, and may even cause plant damage.
• Ignoring expiry dates: Old pesticides lose efficacy and may change chemistry. If it smells like science class gone wrong, it probably is.

Where we go from here: Compliance, community and a little comic relief
If you’ve slogged through this and our previous articles on regulatory compliance without falling asleep, congratulations – you deserve a gold star, or at least a coffee. Plant health care is a noble pursuit, and keeping our environment safe is no small feat. But here’s the secret nobody tells you: Following the rules isn’t just about avoiding fines or impressing your HOA. It’s about stewardship – caring enough to do things right, so your corner of the world stays green and growing for generations.

And if all else fails, remember; if regulatory compliance feels tedious, just imagine the alternative – having to pay civil fines that can disrupt your entire business or put you out of business, or maybe even in jail if it’s considered a criminal offense. Or worse, starring in your client’s next neighborhood viral video, “Local PHC Company’s Hazmat Horror.” Now that’s a plot twist nobody wants. Remember, your reputation is at stake, and building a great PHC program is best built on a solid reputation.

So go forth, dispose with dignity, comply with gusto and regale your friends with tales of that time you triple rinsed a jug and felt like a superhero. Because, in the world of plant health care, the true champions are those who follow the rules, even when no one’s watching (except maybe the squirrel, who’s always judging).

Thank you for joining me on this regulatory rollercoaster. May your trees, shrubs and plants thrive, your paperwork be minimal and your leftover pesticides find their way to a happy, legal ending.

Resources
For additional reading, and if interested in the new 2025 final rule and penalties information, please refer to this doc, EPA 40CFR Part 19 – Civil Monetary
Penalty Inflation Adjustment (www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-08/
pdf/2025-00206.pdf).

Kathy Glassey is a senior consultant with Inspire Green Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company committed to helping tree companies around the country.