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Household Hazardous Waste
Lawn & Garden Products

As spring approaches, many Vermonters turn their thoughts to lawn and garden planning and maintenance. This may consist of simply cutting and watering their grass; fertilizing their lawn, garden and shrubs; or trying to control a wide variety of pests that include plants, insects, fungi and animals.

Many of these common tasks are completed with readily available products, some of which are toxic and can have detrimental effects to both human health and the environment. For instance, through improper or excessive fertilization, many nutrients are released to groundwater and surface water supplies. These excess nutrients can lead to algal blooms and poor water quality.

Improper or excessive use of pesticides may lead to injury to the homeowner, family members, and may adversely impact neighboring ecosystems.

Things to Remember:

Use organic or low-impact gardening and watering techniques, including natural or non-toxic pest control methods.
Determine soil nutrients need prior to fertilizer application through soil tests (UVM Plant & Soil Science Lab, 1-800-244-6402 or http://pss.uvm.edu/ag_testing/).
Use a slow release fertilizer and only a couple of times a year. Buy only what you need per application.
Use a mulching mower to return grass clipping to the soil.
Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques www.state.vt.us/agric/index.htm .
If you use pesticides, buy only what you need and follow the label. Remember the label is the Law!
Donate any unused pesticides or fertilizers in the original container to friends or family.
Store pesticides (in the original containers with the original label), in a locked, secure area out of reach of children and pets.
DO NOT put pesticides in the trash or down the drain.

Click here for the nearest collection center or event for your area.

FOR additional information, please contact the Vermont Department of Agriculture
at 1-802-828-2431 or www.state.vt.us/agric/index.htm.