Hazardous Waste Disposal for Farms & Agricultural Operations

Comprehensive Hazardous Waste Management Services for Agricultural Businesses Nationwide

Farms and agricultural operations generate hazardous waste from crop protection, livestock operations, equipment maintenance, and facility operations. From pesticides and herbicides to veterinary pharmaceuticals and equipment fluids, proper disposal is required for regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and farm sustainability. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services tailored to agricultural operations.

Call (800) 582-4833 for farm waste disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

Understanding Agricultural Hazardous Waste

Farms and ranches produce food and fiber for the nation while managing various hazardous materials. Proper waste management protects soil and water resources, ensures regulatory compliance, safeguards farm families and workers, and supports sustainable agriculture.

Why Farm Waste Management Matters:

• EPA and state pesticide regulations

• RCRA hazardous waste regulations

• Water quality protection (wells, streams, groundwater)

• Soil conservation

• Worker health and safety

• Family and community safety

• Environmental stewardship

• Sustainable agriculture practices

• Regulatory compliance

• Liability protection

• Farm certification requirements (organic, sustainable)

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) compliance

• Insurance requirements

Common Farm Waste Streams:

• Pesticides and herbicides (crop protection)

• Veterinary pharmaceuticals and biologics

• Equipment maintenance waste (oils, fluids)

• Fuel storage and handling waste

• Livestock treatment waste

• Cleaning and disinfection chemicals

• Paint and coatings

• Batteries and universal waste

• Empty pesticide containers

• Contaminated materials

• Used oil and filters

• Antifreeze and coolants

• Shop waste and absorbents

Types of Agricultural Operations We Serve

Row Crop Farms

Large-scale crop production:

• Corn and soybeans

• Wheat and small grains

• Cotton

• Rice

• Vegetables (commercial scale)

• Other field crops

Waste generated:

• Herbicides (large volumes)

• Insecticides

• Fungicides

• Fertilizers

• Seed treatments

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Fuel storage waste

• Empty pesticide containers

• Triple-rinsed containers (recyclable)

• Contaminated materials

Typical volumes:

• Small farm (100-500 acres): 50-200 gallons/year

• Medium farm (500-2,000 acres): 200-1,000 gallons/year

• Large farm (2,000+ acres): 1,000-5,000+ gallons/year

Livestock Operations

Animal agriculture:

Dairy Farms:

• Milk production

• Calf raising

• Herd health

Beef Cattle:

• Cow-calf operations

• Feedlots

• Backgrounding

Swine Operations:

• Farrowing operations

• Finishing operations

• Integrated production

Poultry:

• Broiler production

• Layer operations

• Turkey production

Sheep and Goats:

• Meat production

• Fiber production

Waste generated:

• Veterinary pharmaceuticals

• Vaccines and biologics

• Syringes and sharps

• Disinfectants and sanitizers

• Equipment cleaning chemicals

• Pesticides (fly control, etc.)

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Livestock treatment waste

Orchards and Vineyards

Permanent crops:

• Apple orchards

• Citrus groves

• Stone fruit

• Nut crops

• Vineyards

• Berry operations

Waste generated:

• Pesticides and fungicides

• Herbicides

• Growth regulators

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Fuel storage waste

• Irrigation system chemicals

• Post-harvest treatment chemicals

Greenhouse and Nursery Operations

Controlled environment agriculture:

• Greenhouses

• Nurseries

• Hydroponics

• Container production

Waste generated:

• Pesticides and fungicides

• Fertilizers

• Growth regulators

• Disinfectants

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Potting media (may contain pesticides)

Specialty Crops

High-value crops:

• Vegetables

• Herbs and spices

• Medicinal plants

• Organic production

• Specialty grains

Waste generated:

• Approved pesticides (often organic-approved)

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Packaging materials

• Processing waste

Aquaculture

Fish and seafood farming:

• Finfish production

• Shellfish farming

• Shrimp farming

• Ornamental fish

Waste generated:

• Therapeutic chemicals

• Water treatment chemicals

• Disinfectants

• Equipment maintenance waste

Agricultural Service Providers

Support services:

• Custom applicators

• Crop consultants with spray rigs

• Veterinary services

• Farm management companies

Waste generated:

• Pesticide disposal from clients

• Equipment cleaning waste

• Service vehicle maintenance waste

• Expired or recalled products

Common Farm Waste Materials

Pesticides & Herbicides

Crop protection chemicals:

Herbicides:

• Glyphosate (Roundup and generics)

• 2,4-D

• Atrazine

• Dicamba

• Pre-emergence herbicides

• Post-emergence herbicides

• Selective and non-selective

Insecticides:

• Organophosphates

• Pyrethroids

• Neonicotinoids

• Carbamates

• Biological insecticides

Fungicides:

• Systemic fungicides

• Contact fungicides

• Seed treatments

Other Pesticides:

• Rodenticides

• Molluscicides

• Plant growth regulators

• Defoliants and desiccants

Becomes waste:

• Expired products

• Recalled products (EPA recalls)

• Damaged containers

• Off-specification materials

• Tank mix remnants

• Rinsate (if not applied)

• Legacy chemicals (banned products)

• Unwanted inventory

Characteristics:

• EPA regulated under FIFRA

• May also be RCRA hazardous waste

• Acutely toxic (some are P-listed waste)

• Requires proper disposal

• Cannot be landfilled without treatment

Special considerations:

• Restricted use pesticides

• State-specific regulations

• Applicator licensing requirements

• Buffer zones and drift concerns

Empty Pesticide Containers

After use:

Triple-Rinsed Containers:

• Plastic containers properly rinsed

• Metal containers properly rinsed

• Can be recycled

• Not hazardous waste if properly rinsed

• Recycling programs available in many states

Non-Rinsed Containers:

• Contain pesticide residues

• Are hazardous waste

• Require proper disposal

• Cannot be reused

Container recycling programs:

• Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC)

• State programs

• Collection sites

• We can coordinate

Veterinary Pharmaceuticals

Animal health products:

Antibiotics:

• Various types for different animals

• Injectable and oral

• Feed additives

Vaccines and Biologics:

• Modified live vaccines

• Killed vaccines

• Require proper disposal

Hormones:

• Reproductive hormones

• Growth promotants

Parasiticides:

• Dewormers

• External parasite control

• Pour-on treatments

Other Medications:

• Pain relievers

• Anti-inflammatories

• Sedatives and anesthetics

Becomes waste:

• Expired medications

• Partial containers

• Damaged products

• Outdated inventory

• Contaminated products

Disposal:

• Cannot flush or bury

• Incineration required for most

• Some can be landfilled with special handling

• FDA regulations apply

• State pharmacy board rules may apply

Sharps and Syringes

From livestock treatment:

• Needles

• Syringes

• Vaccination equipment

• Scalpels and blades

Management:

• Sharps containers required

• Separate from regular waste

• May be medical waste (check state rules)

• Cannot go in regular trash

• Biohazard concerns

Equipment Maintenance Waste

From farm machinery:

Used Oils:

• Engine oil (tractors, combines, trucks)

• Hydraulic oil (very common on farms)

• Gear oil

• Transmission fluid

Other Fluids:

• Antifreeze/coolant

• Brake fluid

• Diesel fuel

• Gasoline

• DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) - not hazardous

Materials:

• Oil filters

• Fuel filters

• Air filters

• Batteries (large equipment batteries)

• Contaminated shop rags

• Absorbents

• Grease

Recycling opportunities:

• Clean used oil - often FREE recycling

• Lead-acid batteries - usually FREE recycling

• Significant cost savings

Fuel Storage Waste

From farm fuel systems:

• Tank bottom sludge

• Contaminated fuel

• Water-contaminated diesel

• Old gasoline

• Fuel filters and separators

• Spill cleanup materials

Underground storage tanks:

• Abandoned tank removal

• Contaminated soil

• Tank cleaning residues

• Regulatory requirements

Livestock Facility Chemicals

Cleaning and disinfection:

Disinfectants:

• Quaternary ammonium compounds

• Phenolic disinfectants

• Iodine-based disinfectants

• Chlorine and hypochlorite

• Peroxide-based products

Cleaners:

• Degreasers

• Facility cleaning chemicals

• Milking equipment cleaners (dairy)

• Equipment sanitizers

Pest Control:

• Fly control products

• Rodenticides

• Premise sprays

Paint and Coatings

Farm buildings and equipment:

• Barn paint

• Equipment paint

• Roof coatings

• Fence paint

• Rust inhibitors

• Old accumulated paint

Fertilizers

When becomes waste:

• Damaged bags

• Contaminated product

• Hardened material

• Spills and cleanup

Considerations:

• May contain hazardous components

• Nitrates in groundwater concern

• Proper storage and handling

• Usually not RCRA hazardous but needs proper disposal

Batteries

Various types:

• Equipment batteries (tractors, combines)

• Truck and vehicle batteries

• Solar and wind system batteries

• Electric fence batteries

• UPS and backup batteries

Most recyclable - lead-acid often free

Universal Waste

Throughout farm operations:

• Fluorescent and LED lamps (barns, shops, facilities)

• Batteries (equipment, tools, electronics)

• Mercury devices (thermostats in older buildings)

• Electronics (precision ag equipment, computers)

Farm Waste Regulations

EPA FIFRA (Pesticide Regulations)

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act:

• Pesticide registration and labeling

• Restricted use pesticides

• Applicator licensing

• Use according to label (federal law)

• Storage requirements

• Disposal requirements

• Recall procedures

Label is the law:

• Must follow all label directions

• Storage and disposal instructions

• Restrictions and precautions

EPA RCRA (Hazardous Waste)

Farm waste classification:

Pesticides:

• Unused pesticides are hazardous waste

• Some are acutely hazardous (P-listed)

• Triple-rinsed containers not hazardous

• Non-rinsed containers are hazardous

Other farm waste:

• Used oil (special regulations)

• Solvents and cleaners (may be hazardous)

• Paints and coatings (may be hazardous)

• Batteries (universal waste)

Generator status:

• Most farms are VSQG (<100 kg/month)

• Some larger operations may be SQG

• Rarely LQG

• Different requirements by status

State Pesticide Regulations

State-specific:

• State lead agencies (usually Dept of Agriculture)

• Additional restrictions beyond federal

• State applicator licensing

• Groundwater protection rules

• Container recycling requirements

• Disposal requirements

• Storage regulations

Examples:

• California very comprehensive

• Midwest states focus on groundwater

• Each state different

FDA Regulations

Veterinary pharmaceuticals:

• Animal drug regulations

• Extra-label drug use rules

• Record keeping requirements

• Withdrawal times

• Disposal requirements

Clean Water Act

Water quality protection:

• No discharge of pesticides to water

• Storm water management

• Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) permits

• Groundwater protection

• Well protection

State Agriculture Departments

Additional oversight:

• Agricultural chemical licensing

• Dealer registration

• Custom applicator licensing

• Farm inspections

• Good Agricultural Practices

• Organic certification requirements

Our Farm Waste Services

Pesticide & Herbicide Disposal

Complete agricultural chemical disposal:

• All pesticide types

• Expired products

• Recalled products

• Unwanted inventory

• Damaged containers

• Legacy chemicals

• Unknown old chemicals

• Characterization and identification

Proper handling:

• Security and safety protocols

• DOT-compliant packaging

• Appropriate disposal facilities

• Complete documentation

Veterinary Pharmaceutical Disposal

Animal medication disposal:

• Expired medications

• Partial containers

• Vaccines and biologics

• Antibiotics and hormones

• All animal health products

• Proper incineration disposal

• FDA-compliant procedures

Empty Container Management

Pesticide container programs:

• Triple-rinsed container certification

• Recycling coordination

• Non-rinsed container disposal

• Bulk container disposal

• State program coordination

Equipment Maintenance Waste

Farm machinery waste:

• Used oil collection and recycling

• Hydraulic fluid disposal

• Antifreeze and coolant

• Filters and batteries

• Contaminated materials

• Shop waste

• Large volume capability

FREE recycling for clean used oil

Fuel Storage Cleanup

Fuel system waste:

• Tank bottom disposal

• Contaminated fuel

• Fuel-water separation waste

• Spill cleanup

• UST removal support

• Contaminated soil disposal

Livestock Facility Waste

Animal operation chemicals:

• Disinfectants and cleaners

• Treatment chemicals

• Pest control products

• Facility maintenance waste

• Sharps disposal coordination

Universal Waste Programs

Farm-wide universal waste:

• Lamp recycling (barns, shops)

• Battery collection and recycling

• Mercury device disposal

• Electronics recycling

• Simplified compliance

Paint and Coating Disposal

Farm facility maintenance:

• Building paint disposal

• Equipment paint

• Old accumulated paint

• Aerosol cans

• Paint-contaminated materials

Emergency Response

Farm emergency services:

• Pesticide spills

• Fuel spills

• Chemical releases

• Equipment failures

• Storm damage cleanup

• Rapid response

• 24/7 availability

Farm Cleanout Services

Legacy waste removal:

• Old chemical disposal

• Barn cleanouts

• Shop cleanouts

• Unknown chemical identification

• Complete property cleanup

• Estate and farm sale support

Contaminated Soil Remediation

Site cleanup:

• Pesticide spill cleanup

• Fuel spill cleanup

• Chemical release cleanup

• UST removal support

• Soil disposal

• Site restoration

Container Recycling Coordination

Ag container programs:

• Coordination with state programs

• Collection site information

• Recycling facilitation

• Proper rinsing education

Training & Consultation

Farm support services:

• Pesticide storage and handling

• Waste management best practices

• Regulatory compliance

• Spill prevention

• Container rinsing procedures

• Cost reduction strategies

Farm Waste Disposal Costs

Farm pricing considerations:

• Agricultural community pricing

• Volume discounts

• Seasonal scheduling flexibility

• Cost-effective programs

• Budget-friendly options

Typical Pricing:

Pesticides & Herbicides:

• Liquid pesticides: $5-$20 per gallon

• Dry pesticides: $3-$12 per pound

• Recalled products: May have special programs

• Legacy chemicals: $8-$25 per gallon/pound

• Varies by toxicity and type

Veterinary Pharmaceuticals:

• Medications: $5-$15 per pound

• Vaccines: $5-$15 per pound

• Sharps disposal: $15-$50 per container

Equipment Maintenance:

• Used oil: Often FREE recycling

• Hydraulic fluid: $3-$8 per gallon

• Antifreeze: $2-$6 per gallon

• Contaminated materials: $150-$500 per drum

• Batteries: Often FREE recycling (lead-acid)

Fuel Storage:

• Contaminated fuel: $3-$10 per gallon

• Tank bottom sludge: $200-$600 per drum

Paint and Coatings:

• Paint waste: $3-$10 per gallon

• Aerosol cans: $2-$6 each

Universal Waste:

• Fluorescent lamps: $0.15-$0.50 per linear foot

• Batteries: Varies by type

Contaminated Soil:

• Pesticide contaminated: $150-$600 per ton

• Petroleum contaminated: $100-$400 per ton

Empty Containers:

• Non-rinsed containers: $2-$8 each

• Triple-rinsed containers: FREE through recycling programs

Service Costs:

Regular Farm Pickups:

• Annual service (small farm): $500-$2,000/year

• Annual service (medium farm): $2,000-$8,000/year

• Annual service (large farm): $8,000-$25,000+/year

One-Time Services:

• Farm cleanout: $1,000-$10,000 depending on accumulation

• Emergency spill response: $500-$5,000+ depending on size

Seasonal Service:

• Post-season cleanup: $500-$3,000

• Spring cleanout: $500-$3,000

Annual Farm Costs:

Small Family Farm (<500 acres):

• Annual total: $1,000-$5,000

Medium Commercial Farm (500-2,000 acres):

• Annual total: $5,000-$20,000

Large Farm Operation (2,000+ acres):

• Annual total: $20,000-$75,000+

Livestock Operation:

• Annual total: $2,000-$15,000

Call (800) 582-4833 for farm-specific pricing

Waste Minimization for Farms

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Reduce pesticide use:

• Scouting and monitoring

• Economic thresholds

• Biological controls

• Cultural practices

• Mechanical controls

• Targeted applications

• Reduces chemical use and waste

Proper Purchasing

Buy only what you need:

• Calculate requirements accurately

• Don't over-purchase

• Buy in appropriate container sizes

• Share with neighbors (legally)

• Use products before expiration

• Proper inventory management

Mix Only What You Need

Reduce excess:

• Accurate calibration

• Proper mixing

• Don't over-mix

• Use all mix in tank

• Follow label rates

Container Management

Triple rinse all containers:

• Reduces waste classification

• Enables recycling

• Reduces disposal costs

• Required by label

• Use rinsate in spray tank

Proper Storage

Extend product life:

• Proper storage conditions

• Temperature control

• Secure storage

• Inventory rotation (FIFO)

• Prevents deterioration

Equipment Maintenance

Extend oil life:

• Oil analysis programs

• Proper oil selection

• Regular maintenance

• Clean oil storage

• Extends change intervals

• Reduces waste

Alternative Products

Less hazardous options:

• Biopesticides when effective

• Reduced-risk products

• Minimal packaging

• Longer shelf life

• Water-based when possible

Precision Agriculture

Technology reduces inputs:

• GPS and mapping

• Variable rate application

• Spot treatment

• Reduces chemical use

• Minimizes waste

Common Farm Scenarios

Medium Row Crop Farm

A 1,200-acre corn and soybean farm generates expired herbicides, equipment maintenance waste, and empty containers annually. We provide annual cleanup service after harvest season.

Annual waste: 300 gallons chemicals + maintenance waste
Annual cost: $4,000-$10,000

Small Family Farm

A 200-acre farm with mixed crops generates limited pesticides, equipment oils, and maintenance waste. We provide annual or bi-annual pickup.

Annual waste: 50-100 gallons mixed
Annual cost: $1,000-$3,000

Dairy Farm

A 500-cow dairy operation generates veterinary pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, sharps, and equipment maintenance waste. We provide quarterly pickup service.

Quarterly waste: Mixed materials
Quarterly cost: $1,000-$3,000

Large Commercial Farm

A 5,000-acre operation generates significant volumes of pesticides, equipment maintenance waste, and fuel storage waste. We provide scheduled pickups during and after season.

Annual waste: 1,500+ gallons
Annual cost: $25,000-$60,000

Farm Estate Cleanout

A family is cleaning out a farm after retirement/sale. Barn and shop contain 30+ years of accumulated pesticides, oils, paints, and unknown chemicals. We provide complete identification and disposal.

Total cleanout: 500-1,000 gallons mixed
Project cost: $8,000-$25,000

Orchard Operation

A 200-acre apple orchard generates fungicides, insecticides, and equipment maintenance waste seasonally. We provide post-season cleanup.

Annual waste: 200 gallons + materials
Annual cost: $3,000-$8,000

Pesticide Spill Cleanup

A farmer has a 50-gallon herbicide spill at the mixing/loading area. We provide emergency response, soil removal, and proper disposal.

Cleanup: 50 gallons + contaminated soil
Project cost: $3,000-$10,000

Why Farms Choose Us

Agricultural Experience

Over 30 years serving farms and agricultural operations. We understand agriculture and farming.

Farm-Friendly Pricing

Competitive pricing for agricultural budgets. We understand farm economics.

Flexible Scheduling

Work around planting and harvest seasons. Evening and weekend service available.

Complete Service

All farm waste types. From pesticides to equipment maintenance to veterinary products.

Regulatory Expertise

Complete understanding of FIFRA, RCRA, and state agricultural regulations.

Container Recycling Support

Help coordinate triple-rinsed container recycling programs. Reduce disposal costs.

Emergency Response

24/7 availability for farm emergencies. Spills, accidents, urgent situations.

Used Oil Recycling

Free recycling saves significant costs for farms. Large equipment generates substantial oil volumes.

Confidential Service

Discrete, professional service. We understand farm privacy.

Community Focused

We serve the agricultural community. Supporting farmers who feed America.

Best Practices for Farm Waste

Pesticide Management

• Read and follow all label directions

• Store properly (locked, secure, controlled temp)

• Rotate inventory (FIFO)

• Keep inventory records

• Triple-rinse all containers

• Use all product in tank

• Never discharge to water

Storage Requirements

• Locked storage building

• Separate from feed and seed

• Proper ventilation

• Containment for spills

• Organized and labeled

• Inventory list posted

• Emergency contact information

Container Handling

• Triple-rinse immediately after use

• Puncture or crush rinsed containers

• Recycle through ag programs

• Never reuse for other purposes

• Proper disposal of non-rinsed

Mixing and Loading

• Mix/load pad or containment

• Away from wells and water

• Spill containment

• Proper equipment and PPE

• Measure accurately

• Clean equipment after use

Personal Protection

• Read label PPE requirements

• Wear appropriate protection

• Clean PPE after use

• Wash thoroughly after handling

• Separate work clothes

• Never eat, drink, smoke during handling

Record Keeping

• Application records

• Purchase records

• Disposal records

• Training records

• Maintain 3+ years

• May be required by law

Equipment Maintenance

• Regular maintenance schedule

• Oil analysis programs

• Proper oil storage

• Clean work area

• Spill prevention

• Waste containment

Spill Prevention

• Proper storage

• Secondary containment

• Equipment in good repair

• Careful handling

• Spill kit available

• Emergency procedures posted

• Know who to call

Getting Started

Initial Assessment

We'll evaluate:

• Farm size and type

• Crops or livestock

• Current waste streams

• Quantities generated

• Current disposal practices

• Storage situation

• Opportunities for savings

Service Setup

We provide:

• Appropriate containers

• Proper labels

• Best management practices

• Service scheduling

• Emergency contact information

• Container recycling coordination

Ongoing Partnership

We work with you:

• Seasonal scheduling

• Flexible pickup times

• Cost-effective service

• Regulatory compliance support

• Training and education

Get Started with Farm Waste Services

Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

What to have ready:

• Farm size (acres) and type

• Crops grown or livestock type

• Types of waste generated

• Approximate annual quantities

• Current storage situation

• Desired service frequency

• Any immediate needs or concerns

We'll provide:

• Free consultation and assessment

• Customized farm service plan

• Agricultural pricing

• Container recommendations

• Seasonal scheduling options

• Container recycling coordination

• Written proposal

• Emergency contact information

Services available:

• Pesticide and herbicide disposal

• Veterinary pharmaceutical disposal

• Empty container management

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Fuel storage cleanup

• Livestock facility waste

• Universal waste programs

• Paint and coating disposal

• Emergency response

• Farm cleanout services

• Contaminated soil remediation

• Container recycling coordination

• Training and consultation

• Flexible seasonal scheduling

Serving farms and agricultural operations nationwide, since 1992 - comprehensive waste management services that support sustainable agriculture and protect farm families and the environment

We understand farming and farm budgets - let us provide cost-effective waste management services that protect your land, water, and family while ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting your farm's sustainability