Pesticide applicators, agricultural producers and landowners are urged to participate in the 2026 Montana Pesticide Waste Disposal Program to safely and legally dispose of unused, unusable, and unknown pesticide products hosted by the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA). This includes leaking or damaged product containers that can expose children, livestock, or pets to contamination. The annual program helps prevent environmental contamination and reduce risks to human health by providing dedicated disposal events around the state.
Since the program started in 1994, the program has collected more than 883,000 pounds of pesticide waste from close to 2,000 participants. The MDA is currently working towards a one-million-pound goal. Products accepted range from outdated crop protection chemicals to unregistered or unidentified pesticides that would otherwise pose disposal challenges.
Accepted Materials
The Pesticide Waste Disposal Program can take pesticides, pesticide treated seed, other pesticide mixes, unknown pesticides, and metal pesticide containers. The program cannot accept rinsate, empty plastic containers, fertilizers, solvents, paint or oil or any other non-pesticide materials.
Cost and Registration
Costs for participating in the program are significantly lower than other pesticide disposal alternatives. The first 200 pounds of pesticide waste are free to dispose of, with a $1 per pound fee for amounts over 200 pounds (minimum charge of $5). Pesticides requiring special packaging, including products with dioxins or dioxin precursors, may incur additional fees.
Participants must pre-register with the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) by filling out the online registration form. Participants may select a day and location that is convenient for them to deliver pesticide waste. Acceptances are on a first-come, first-served basis. Late registrations are not considered. After submittal, registrants will receive a confirmation letter with a specific time to arrive on collection day.
Dates and Locations
April Collection Events
Pre-registration Deadline for April Events is March 31, 2026.
- April 7 – Kalispell
- April 8 – Plains
- April 9 – Missoula
July Collection Events
Pre-registration Deadline for July Events is June 30, 2026.
- July 7 – Polson
- July 8 – Hamilton
- July 9 – Butte
September Collection Events
Pre-registration Deadline for September Events is September 15, 2026.
- September 22 – Havre
- September 23 – Great Falls
- September 24 – Lewistown
- September 25 – Red Lodge
For More Information
You can register online or view a list of accepted materials and other information on the MDA Pesticide Waste Disposal Program website.
Contact Carli Davis for additional information regarding the MDA Pesticide Disposal and Container Recycling Programs at (406) 465-0531 or email carli.davis@mt.gov. For any other questions contact Cecil Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist (406) 994-5067, ctharp@montana.edu.
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MSU Extension
