Container Eligibility
Discover What Can and Cannot Be Accepted Into the ACRC Recycling Program
Container Eligibility Requirements
Product containers that can be accepted for recycling through the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) sponsored programs must meet these criteria:
Eligible
Rigid high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 55 gallons and smaller, that previously held products utilized in the following markets:
Crop Protection – Containers that held EPA registered crop protection products labeled for agricultural uses. Containers that previously held non-registered products such as biologicals, adjuvants, crop oils and surfactants are also eligible for recycling.
Specialty Pesticides and Fertilizers – Containers that held EPA – registered products labeled for professional Structural Pest Control, Animal Health, Turf and Ornamental, Vegetation Management, Nursery and Greenhouse, Forestry, Aquatics, and Public Health uses are eligible for recycling. Also acceptable are containers holding micronutrients, biologicals, fertilizer, and adjuvant products.
Pest Control Operators, Structural Pest Control – Containers that held EPA registered products labeled for professional application.
Not Eligible
Any container constructed of anything other than HDPE, rotationally molded containers, mini-bulk, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), totes, and all containers that previously held products utilized in the following markets:
Consumer Home & Garden, Pest Control and Swimming Pool Maintenance – Containers that previously held products labeled for consumer use in households, lawn and garden, and swimming pool uses are not eligible for recycling in the ACRC program.
Acceptable Containers (Jugs and Drums)
Compare your containers with the ones shown here. Always follow the instructions on the label before handling any crop protection products. Wear the proper protective equipment as specified on the product label.
Eligible
Container, thread, and lip are clean
Handle and neck stained but clean
Inside is clean and dry
Inside stained but rinsed clean
Not Eligible
Dried formulation on container
Liquid residue in container
Liquid residue in container
Dried formulation on thread
Container Preparation Checklist
Preparing containers for recycling is important. Please be sure to follow this checklist before your ACRC Contractor arrives for pickup.
TYPE: Include containers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) only; embossed with the plastic resin code #2.
PRIOR USE: EPA registered crop protection products labeled for agriculture, animal health, forestry, vegetative management, and specialty pest control are acceptable. Also acceptable, are containers holding micronutrients, biologicals, fertilizer, and adjuvant products.
SIZES: All sizes up to and including 55-gallon capacity are routinely accepted.
RESIDUES & CLEANING: Containers must be empty and triple-rinsed or pressure-rinsed to remove all residue. Staining is acceptable. Caked-on residue is not. Be sure there is no residue that can be smeared or will flake off when touched with a glove. The interior surfaces of containers must be dry.
STORAGE: To keep container dry, store in a building, trailer, or under a plastic tarp.
PARTS & CAPS: Non-high-density polyethylene (HDPE) parts such as caps, metal handles and rubber linings cannot be recycled, and should be disposed of as normal solid waste. Do not put a cap back on a rinsed container.
LABEL & BOOKLET REMOVAL: Labels and booklets will interfere with the recycling process and should be removed. If you have trouble with label removal, check with your ACRC Contractor.
Containers that originally held consumer products, or home and garden pesticides are NOT ACCEPTABLE.