Hazardous Waste Disposal for Greenhouses & Nurseries

Comprehensive Hazardous Waste Management Services for Greenhouse Operations & Plant Nurseries Nationwide

Greenhouses and nursery operations generate hazardous waste from plant production, pest and disease management, equipment maintenance, and facility operations. From pesticides and growth regulators to fertilizers and cleaning chemicals, proper disposal is required for regulatory compliance, worker safety, and sustainable horticulture. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services tailored to greenhouse and nursery operations.

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

Understanding Greenhouse & Nursery Hazardous Waste

Greenhouses and nurseries produce ornamental plants, bedding plants, vegetables, and specialty crops in controlled environments. These operations use various pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals that require proper waste management to protect workers, the environment, and maintain production quality.

Why Greenhouse Waste Management Matters:

• EPA and state pesticide regulations (FIFRA)

• RCRA hazardous waste regulations

• Worker health and safety (OSHA)

• Water quality protection (irrigation runoff)

• Environmental stewardship

• Regulatory compliance

• GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification

• Organic certification requirements (if applicable)

• Sustainable horticulture practices

• Customer and retailer requirements

• Liability protection

• Insurance requirements

Common Greenhouse & Nursery Waste Streams:

• Pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, miticides)

• Herbicides (pre-emergent and post-emergent)

• Growth regulators and hormones

• Fertilizers (concentrated solutions)

• Cleaning and disinfection chemicals

• Equipment maintenance waste (oils, fuels)

• Empty pesticide containers

• Contaminated growing media

• Irrigation system chemicals

• Boiler and heating system waste

• Paint and coatings

• Universal waste (lamps, batteries)

• Contaminated materials and shop waste

Types of Greenhouse Operations We Serve

Commercial Greenhouses

Production greenhouses:

Bedding Plants:

• Annuals and perennials

• Vegetable transplants

• Hanging baskets

• Combination planters

• Spring production

Potted Plants:

• Flowering plants (poinsettias, mums, etc.)

• Foliage plants

• Tropical plants

• Specialty crops

Cut Flowers:

• Roses

• Carnations

• Other cut flowers

• Year-round production

Vegetable Production:

• Tomatoes

• Cucumbers

• Peppers

• Lettuce and greens

• Herbs

• Hydroponic and soil-based

Waste generated:

• Insecticides and miticides

• Fungicides

• Growth regulators

• Fertilizer concentrates

• Disinfectants

• Cleaning chemicals

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Irrigation system chemicals

Typical volumes:

• Small greenhouse (5,000-20,000 sq ft): 50-200 gallons/year

• Medium greenhouse (20,000-100,000 sq ft): 200-1,000 gallons/year

• Large greenhouse (100,000+ sq ft): 1,000-5,000+ gallons/year

Retail Garden Centers

Consumer sales with production:

• Growing area

• Retail sales

• Garden center operations

• Seasonal production

Waste generated:

• Retail-size pesticides (unused returns)

• Fertilizers

• Cleaning chemicals

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Display maintenance materials

• Customer return products (sometimes)

Wholesale Nurseries

Container and field production:

• Container nursery stock

• B&B (balled and burlapped) production

• Liner production

• Finished plant production

Waste generated:

• Herbicides (major use)

• Insecticides

• Fungicides

• Fertilizers

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Irrigation system chemicals

• Empty containers

Propagation Operations

Specialized production:

• Cutting propagation

• Tissue culture

• Seed starting

• Grafting operations

Waste generated:

• Rooting hormones

• Fungicides (disease prevention)

• Disinfectants (sterile conditions)

• Growth regulators

• Laboratory chemicals (tissue culture)

Hydroponics & Controlled Environment Agriculture

Soilless production:

• Nutrient film technique (NFT)

• Deep water culture

• Aeroponics

• Container hydroponics

• Vertical farming

Waste generated:

• Nutrient solutions (spent)

• pH adjustment chemicals (acids, bases)

• Disinfectants (system cleaning)

• Algaecides

• Equipment maintenance waste

Research Greenhouses

University and private research:

• Plant breeding

• Variety trials

• Pesticide testing

• Growing research

Waste generated:

• Research chemicals

• Experimental pesticides

• Growth regulators

• Various test compounds

• Laboratory chemicals

Common Greenhouse Waste Materials

Pesticides & Plant Protection Products

Insecticides:

Common greenhouse insects:

• Aphids (various species)

• Whiteflies

• Spider mites (two-spotted, broad mites)

• Thrips (western flower thrips, etc.)

• Fungus gnats

• Mealybugs

• Scale insects

Insecticides used:

• Pyrethroids

• Neonicotinoids

• Insecticidal soaps

• Horticultural oils

• Abamectin and related

• Spirotetramat

• Biological insecticides (Bt, etc.)

• Beneficial insects (not waste)

Fungicides:

Common diseases:

• Botrytis (gray mold)

• Powdery mildew

• Pythium and Phytophthora (root rots)

• Rhizoctonia

• Downy mildew

• Rust diseases

Fungicides used:

• Chlorothalonil

• Mancozeb

• Azoxystrobin and strobilurins

• Triazoles

• PCNB

• Fosetyl-al

• Biological fungicides

Miticides:

• Specialized products for mite control

• Abamectin

• Spiromesifen

• Bifenazate

Becomes waste:

• Expired products

• Partially used containers

• Damaged products

• Recalled products

• Tank mix remnants

• Wrong products purchased

• Discontinued products

• Resistance concerns (rotation)

Characteristics:

• EPA FIFRA regulated

• May also be RCRA hazardous

• Some highly toxic

• Proper disposal required

• Worker safety concerns

Growth Regulators & Hormones

Plant growth control:

Height Control:

• B-Nine (daminozide)

• A-Rest (ancymidol)

• Bonzi (paclobutrazol)

• Cycocel (chlormequat)

• Sumagic (uniconazole)

Rooting Hormones:

• IBA (indole-3-butyric acid)

• NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid)

• Rooting powders and liquids

Other Growth Regulators:

• Ethylene (Florel for branching)

• Gibberellic acid (stem elongation)

• Cytokinin products

Waste generation:

• Expired concentrates

• Unused diluted solutions

• Wrong strength mixed

• Contaminated products

Fertilizers & Nutrients

Greenhouse fertilizers:

Water-Soluble Fertilizers:

• Complete formulations (20-20-20, etc.)

• Specialty formulations

• Acid-forming vs. basic

• Calcium nitrate

• Potassium nitrate

• Magnesium sulfate

Controlled-Release Fertilizers:

• Coated granular products

• Osmocote and similar

• Slow-release products

Hydroponic Nutrients:

• Part A and Part B systems

• Micronutrient solutions

• pH up and down solutions

Becomes waste:

• Expired products

• Contaminated stock solutions

• Wrong formulation

• Damaged containers

• Spill cleanup

Considerations:

• High nitrate content

• Water quality concerns

• Proper disposal important

• Some formulations hazardous

Disinfectants & Cleaning Chemicals

Sanitation is critical:

Disinfectants:

• Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)

• Hydrogen peroxide based

• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)

• Virkon and similar

• Physan 20

• Green-Shield

Uses:

• Bench and pot cleaning

• Tool and equipment sanitation

• Floor cleaning

• Between crops

• Disease prevention

• Algae control

Other Cleaning Chemicals:

• Degreasers

• Algaecides (for benches, floors)

• Equipment cleaners

Irrigation System Chemicals

Water treatment:

Disinfection:

• Chlorine injection

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Ozone systems (equipment)

pH Adjustment:

• Sulfuric acid (pH down)

• Phosphoric acid

• Citric acid

• Potassium hydroxide (pH up)

Fertilizer Injectors:

• Cleaning acids

• Maintenance chemicals

Algae Control:

• Algaecides for irrigation lines

• Chelated copper

• Peroxides

Boiler & Heating System Chemicals

In heated greenhouses:

• Boiler water treatment chemicals

• Rust inhibitors

• Scale preventers

• Glycol antifreeze (if used)

• Combustion chamber cleaners

Equipment Maintenance Waste

From greenhouse operations:

Fuels and Oils:

• Propane and natural gas (heating - not waste)

• Diesel fuel (generators, equipment)

• Used oil (maintenance equipment)

• Hydraulic fluids

• Lubricants and greases

Other Materials:

• Antifreeze/coolant

• Batteries

• Paint and coatings

• Solvents

• Contaminated shop materials

Recycling opportunities:

• Used oil - often FREE

• Batteries - often FREE

Empty Pesticide Containers

After use:

Triple-Rinsed Containers:

• Properly rinsed plastic and metal

• Can be recycled in many states

• Not hazardous waste if properly rinsed

• Ag container recycling programs

Non-Rinsed Containers:

• Contain pesticide residues

• Are hazardous waste

• Require proper disposal

Small Containers:

• Retail-size containers

• Home garden products

• May accumulate significantly

Contaminated Growing Media

Potting soil and substrates:

• Media contaminated with pesticides

• Diseased plant cleanup

• Growing media with high residues

• Usually not hazardous but needs assessment

Paint & Coatings

Greenhouse maintenance:

• Structural paint

• Shading compounds

• Greenhouse whitewash

• Equipment paint

• Rust preventers

Universal Waste

Throughout operations:

• Fluorescent and HID lamps (grow lights)

• LED grow lights (electronics)

• Ballasts

• Batteries (equipment, backup)

• Mercury devices (thermostats)

• Electronics (controllers, computers)

High-intensity lighting generates significant lamp waste

Greenhouse Waste Regulations

EPA FIFRA (Pesticide Regulations)

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act:

• Pesticide registration and labeling

• Restricted use pesticides (some greenhouse products)

• Applicator licensing requirements

• Label compliance (federal law)

• Storage requirements

• Disposal according to label

• Container rinsing requirements

Worker Protection Standard (WPS):

• Handler and worker training

• Restricted entry intervals (REI)

• PPE requirements

• Decontamination facilities

• Notification requirements

• Central posting

• Applies to all greenhouse operations using pesticides

EPA RCRA (Hazardous Waste)

Waste classification:

• Unused pesticides are hazardous waste

• Triple-rinsed containers not hazardous

• Non-rinsed containers hazardous

• Some products acutely hazardous (P-listed)

• Used oil regulations

• Universal waste rules

Generator status:

• Most greenhouses are VSQG (<100 kg/month)

• Some larger operations may be SQG

• Requirements vary by status

• Track monthly generation

OSHA Regulations

Worker safety:

• Hazard Communication Standard

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) required

• Employee training

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Emergency procedures

• Confined space (if applicable)

State Pesticide Regulations

State-specific requirements:

• State lead agencies

• Additional restrictions

• Applicator licensing (most states)

• Container recycling programs

• Disposal requirements

• Storage regulations

• Environmental monitoring

Water Quality Regulations

Runoff and discharge:

• Storm water management

• Irrigation runoff control

• No direct discharge of pesticides

• Water quality monitoring

• Proper containment

Organic Certification

If organic operation:

• Approved materials only (OMRI listed)

• No synthetic pesticides

• Proper documentation

• Separate waste management

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

Food safety certification:

• If producing edibles

• Proper chemical storage

• Waste management

• Training requirements

• Documentation

Our Greenhouse & Nursery Waste Services

Pesticide & Chemical Disposal

Complete greenhouse chemical disposal:

• All pesticide types (insecticides, fungicides, miticides)

• Growth regulators

• Herbicides

• Expired products

• Partially used containers

• Tank mix remnants

• Recalled products

• Unknown old chemicals

Proper handling and disposal

Growth Regulator Disposal

Specialized disposal:

• Concentrated growth regulators

• Hormone products

• Rooting compounds

• Diluted solutions

• Contaminated materials

Fertilizer Waste

Nutrient disposal:

• Concentrated stock solutions

• Expired fertilizers

• Contaminated products

• Hydroponic nutrient waste

• Spill cleanup materials

Disinfectant & Cleaning Chemical Disposal

Sanitation chemicals:

• Quaternary ammonium compounds

• Bleach and hypochlorite

• Specialty disinfectants

• Cleaning solutions

• Equipment cleaning waste

Equipment Maintenance Waste

Greenhouse equipment:

• Used oil collection and recycling

• Fuel waste disposal

• Hydraulic fluids

• Antifreeze and coolants

• Batteries and filters

• Shop waste

FREE recycling for clean used oil

Empty Container Management

Pesticide container programs:

• Triple-rinsed container verification

• Recycling coordination

• Non-rinsed container disposal

• State program coordination

• Bulk container disposal

Universal Waste Programs

Greenhouse-wide universal waste:

• Grow light lamp recycling (significant volumes)

• Ballast disposal

• Battery collection

• Electronics recycling

• Mercury device disposal

• Simplified compliance

Paint & Coating Disposal

Facility maintenance:

• Structural paint

• Shading compounds

• Equipment paint

• Old accumulated paint

Emergency Response

24/7 emergency services:

• Pesticide spills

• Chemical releases

• Tank failures

• Equipment malfunctions

• Storm damage cleanup

• Rapid response

Seasonal Cleanout Services

End-of-season disposal:

• Unused chemicals disposal

• Container accumulation removal

• General cleanout

• Inventory reduction

• Coordinate with production schedule

Training & Consultation

Greenhouse support:

• Pesticide storage and handling

• Worker Protection Standard compliance

• Waste management best practices

• Container rinsing procedures

• Spill prevention

• Cost reduction strategies

Greenhouse Waste Disposal Costs

Greenhouse pricing considerations:

• Horticultural industry pricing

• Volume discounts

• Seasonal scheduling flexibility

• Budget-friendly options

• Retail and commercial pricing

Typical Pricing:

Pesticides & Plant Protection:

• Liquid insecticides/fungicides: $5-$18 per gallon

• Dry pesticides: $3-$12 per pound

• Growth regulators: $6-$20 per gallon

• Expired products: Similar pricing

• Small containers: May have per-container minimum

Fertilizers:

• Concentrated stock solutions: $2-$8 per gallon

• Dry fertilizers: $2-$6 per pound

• Hydroponic nutrients: $3-$10 per gallon

Disinfectants & Cleaners:

• Quaternary ammonium: $2-$6 per gallon

• Bleach solutions: $1-$4 per gallon

• Specialty disinfectants: $3-$8 per gallon

Equipment Maintenance:

• Used oil: Often FREE recycling

• Antifreeze: $2-$6 per gallon

• Contaminated materials: $150-$500 per drum

• Batteries: Often FREE recycling

Paint & Coatings:

• Paint waste: $3-$10 per gallon

• Shading compounds: $2-$6 per gallon

Universal Waste:

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

• HID lamps: $1-$4 each

• Ballasts: $5-$15 each

Empty Containers:

• Non-rinsed containers: $2-$8 each

• Triple-rinsed: FREE through recycling programs

Service Costs:

Regular Pickups:

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

• Semi-annual service (medium): $1,000-$4,000/year

• Quarterly service (large): $2,000-$8,000/year

One-Time Services:

• Seasonal cleanout: $500-$3,000

• Complete facility cleanout: $1,000-$10,000

Annual Greenhouse Costs:

Small Retail Greenhouse (5,000-20,000 sq ft):

• Annual total: $1,000-$4,000

Medium Production Greenhouse (20,000-100,000 sq ft):

• Annual total: $4,000-$15,000

Large Commercial Greenhouse (100,000+ sq ft):

• Annual total: $15,000-$50,000+

Wholesale Nursery:

• Annual total: $3,000-$20,000

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

Waste Minimization for Greenhouses

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Reduce pesticide use:

• Scouting and monitoring

• Action thresholds

• Biological controls (beneficial insects)

• Cultural practices

• Sanitation

• Resistant varieties

• Targeted applications only

• Reduces chemical use and waste

Proper Purchasing

Buy only what you need:

• Calculate requirements accurately

• Don't over-purchase

• Appropriate container sizes

• Coordinate with other growers

• Use before expiration

• Proper inventory management

Accurate Mixing

Reduce excess spray:

• Accurate area calculations

• Proper calibration

• Mix only what you need

• Use all mixed spray

• Follow label rates precisely

Container Management

Triple rinse all containers:

• Immediately after use

• Reduces waste classification

• Enables recycling

• Required by label

• Use rinsate in spray tank

Proper Storage

Extend product life:

• Climate-controlled storage

• Proper organization

• Inventory rotation (FIFO)

• Secure storage

• Prevents deterioration

Alternative Control Methods

Reduce chemical dependency:

• Beneficial insects

• Microbial pesticides

• Botanical insecticides

• Physical controls (screens, traps)

• Sanitation practices

• Steam sterilization

Biological Controls

Natural enemies:

• Predatory mites

• Parasitic wasps

• Predatory beetles

• Pathogenic fungi

• Reduces pesticide needs

Disease Prevention

Reduce fungicide use:

• Proper spacing and ventilation

• Humidity control

• Sanitation between crops

• Clean stock

• Resistant varieties

• Preventive vs. curative

Precision Application

Technology:

• Accurate sprayers

• Spot treatments

• Targeted applications

• Drench applications when appropriate

• Reduces chemical use

Common Greenhouse Scenarios

Medium Bedding Plant Greenhouse

A 40,000 sq ft greenhouse producing spring bedding plants generates insecticides, fungicides, growth regulators, and equipment maintenance waste. We provide annual post-season cleanup.

Annual waste: 200-300 gallons
Annual cost: $3,000-$8,000

Small Retail Garden Center

A 10,000 sq ft greenhouse with retail generates limited pesticides, fertilizers, and maintenance waste. We provide annual or seasonal pickup.

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

Large Commercial Vegetable Greenhouse

A 200,000 sq ft hydroponic greenhouse generates pesticides, nutrient solutions, disinfectants, and equipment waste. We provide quarterly pickup.

Quarterly waste: Mixed materials
Quarterly cost: $3,000-$8,000

Wholesale Nursery

A 20-acre container nursery generates herbicides (major), insecticides, and equipment maintenance waste. We provide semi-annual pickup.

Semi-annual waste: 300-500 gallons
Semi-annual cost: $3,000-$10,000

Greenhouse Closure/Cleanout

A grower is closing a greenhouse operation after 30 years. Facility contains accumulated pesticides, fertilizers, growth regulators, and equipment waste. We provide complete identification and disposal.

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

Research Greenhouse

A university research greenhouse generates various experimental chemicals, pesticides, and research compounds. We provide annual or semi-annual lab pack service.

Semi-annual waste: 100-200 gallons
Semi-annual cost: $2,000-$5,000

Pesticide Spill Response

A grower has a 20-gallon insecticide spill in the mixing area. We provide emergency response, containment, cleanup, and proper disposal.

Emergency response: 20 gallons + cleanup
Project cost: $2,000-$6,000

Why Greenhouses Choose Us

Horticultural Industry Experience

Over 30 years serving greenhouses and nurseries. We understand greenhouse operations and challenges.

Industry-Friendly Pricing

Competitive pricing for greenhouse budgets. We understand horticultural economics.

Seasonal Scheduling

Work around production schedules. Post-season cleanup. Minimal disruption.

Complete Service

All greenhouse waste types. Pesticides to equipment maintenance.

IPM Support

We support integrated pest management and sustainable practices. Help reduce waste generation.

Container Recycling Support

Coordinate triple-rinsed container recycling programs. Reduce disposal costs.

Regulatory Expertise

Complete understanding of FIFRA, WPS, RCRA, and state regulations affecting greenhouses.

Emergency Response

24/7 availability for greenhouse emergencies. Rapid response.

Flexible Service

Annual, seasonal, or as-needed pickups. Work with your schedule.

Professional Service

Understand greenhouse operations and biosecurity. Respectful of production areas.

Best Practices for Greenhouse Waste

Pesticide Management

• Read and follow all label directions

• Worker Protection Standard compliance

• Proper storage (locked, organized)

• Inventory tracking

• Triple-rinse all containers

• Mix only what you need

• Use all spray solution

Storage Requirements

• Locked, dedicated storage area

• Separate from plants and potting media

• Organized by product type

• Climate controlled if possible

• Secondary containment

• Inventory list

• Emergency contact information

• SDS readily available

Container Handling

• Triple-rinse immediately after emptying

• Puncture or crush rinsed containers

• Recycle through ag programs

• Never reuse for other purposes

• Proper disposal of non-rinsed

• Keep records

Mixing and Application

• Designated mixing area

• Proper containment

• Away from storm drains

• Accurate measurements

• Calibrated equipment

• Proper PPE always

• Clean equipment after use

Worker Protection

• WPS training required

• Handler certification

• Proper PPE for each product

• Decontamination facilities

• Restricted entry intervals

• Central posting of applications

• Emergency procedures

Record Keeping

• Application records (WPS required)

• Pesticide purchase records

• Disposal records

• Training records

• Maintain required years

• Available for inspection

IPM Implementation

• Regular scouting

• Accurate identification

• Economic thresholds

• Biological controls when possible

• Cultural controls

• Chemical controls as last resort

• Monitor and adjust

Spill Prevention

• Proper chemical storage

• Secondary containment

• Careful handling

• Equipment in good condition

• Spill kits available

• Emergency procedures posted

• Staff training

Getting Started

Initial Assessment

We'll evaluate:

• Greenhouse size and type

• Crops produced

• Current waste streams

• Quantities generated

• Storage situation

• Production schedule

• IPM practices

Service Setup

We provide:

• Appropriate containers

• Proper labels

• Best management practices

• Seasonal scheduling

• Emergency contact information

• Container recycling coordination

Ongoing Partnership

We work with you:

• Production schedules

• Seasonal timing

• Cost-effective service

• Regulatory compliance

• Training support

• IPM support

Get Started with Greenhouse Waste Services

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

What to have ready:

• Greenhouse size (square feet) and type

• Crops produced

• Types of waste generated

• Approximate annual quantities

• Current storage situation

• Desired service frequency (annual, seasonal)

• Any immediate needs or concerns

We'll provide:

• Free consultation and assessment

• Customized greenhouse service plan

• Horticultural industry pricing

• Container recommendations

• Seasonal scheduling options

• Container recycling coordination

• Written proposal

• Emergency contact information

Services available:

• Pesticide and chemical disposal

• Growth regulator disposal

• Fertilizer waste disposal

• Disinfectant and cleaning chemical disposal

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Empty container management

• Universal waste programs

• Paint and coating disposal

• Emergency response

• Seasonal cleanout services

• Training and consultation

• IPM support

• Flexible seasonal scheduling

Serving greenhouses and nurseries nationwide, since 1992 - comprehensive waste management services that support sustainable horticulture, protect workers and the environment, and help you grow quality plants safely

We understand greenhouse operations and IPM - let us provide cost-effective waste management services that support your sustainable growing practices while ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance