The New York Agribusiness Association (NYSABA) and the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) began statewide collection of triple-rinsed plastic pesticide containers Oct. 13, joining 37 other states that together have recycled more than 100 million pounds of triple-rinsed pesticide containers since 1992.
“We are proud of the fact that the recycling of 100 million pounds of HDPE plastic pesticide containers, as opposed to landfilling, has resulted in a reduction of nearly 20,000 metric tons of carbon equivalent and we thank all of the Ag chemical retailers, and government officials that have contributed to this achievement,” says Al Phalen, Chemtura Corp., who represents the 25 ACRC member companies funding the recycling program.
“NYSABA has been working towards this moment for two long years. As individuals and businesses we have a responsibility to practice environmental stewardship. This is a small beginning that has tremendous growth potential toward that end,” says Henry Kuperus, a sales representative for Stanton Ag Services and a NYSABA board Mmember.
Stanton Ag Services, Marion, N.Y., is one of 20 agricultural dealers from across the state that have volunteered to collect, triple-rinse, tag, bag and store their non-refillable high-density polyethylene containers for recycling.
The ACRC contractor, U.S. Ag Recycling, will grind the containers for recycling.
More information is available at www.acrecycle.org.