Farmers, pesticide dealers, pest control firms, certified applicators, homeowners, and golf course operators are encouraged to take part in the 2025 Virginia Pesticide Collection Program. This initiative allows participants to dispose of unwanted, outdated, or banned pesticides safely and at no cost.
The program is managed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Office of Pesticide Services in collaboration with Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. Since its start in 1997, the program has collected and destroyed over 1.9 million pounds of pesticides. It is funded through fees collected by VDACS.
Collection sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rotating annually through Virginia’s five regions. The list of participating localities is now available.
Participants must bring their unwanted pesticides to collection sites themselves. If they cannot safely transport them, VDACS may provide assistance on a case-by-case basis. Only pesticides will be accepted; contaminated materials like pesticide-contaminated fertilizer will not be accepted. Additionally, motor oil, paint, fuel, fertilizer, or other chemicals are not part of this program.
Participants should complete a registration form before the collection date and send it to marlene.larios@vdacs.virginia.gov or mail it to Office of Pesticide Services, VDACS, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia 23218. The form can be downloaded from https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/pesticide-disposal-registration.pdf or requested by calling 804-371-6561.
For questions about the program, participants can contact their local Virginia Cooperative Extension agent or reach out to the VDACS Office of Pesticide Services at marlene.larios@vdacs.virginia.gov. More information is available at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-collection.shtml.
