Container recycling is a simple, easy, important way to protect Michigan’s environment
Michigan’s Pesticide Container Recycling Program provides cost-free recycling opportunities for pesticide users to properly, and safely, dispose of containers. The program is a partnership between the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, the Michigan Agri-Business Association, the Ag Container Recycling Council and agri-chemical dealers and pesticide users across Michigan. The program not only ensures plastics are recycled or converted to other beneficial uses instead of taking up landfill space, but also decreases the likeliness that unclean or improperly stored contained will leach pesticide residue into the environment.
Since 1993, more than 2.52 million pounds of plastic has been recycled as part of the program. We did see some impact from COVID-19 in 2020. While 52 agribusiness and end-user locations participated as collection sites, the accumulated 169,800 pounds of empty, properly cleaned pesticide containers was a 40% reduction following a record year in 2019. It is expected that pounds collected will rebound in 2021.
The program accepts all rigid HDPE pesticide containers up to 55 gallon (plastic) drums that held products from the following markets:
Three simple steps must be completed before recycling containers:
Many of Michigan’s agri-businesses collect empty pesticide containers for recycling, though producers can also schedule a pick-up directly on the farm, depending on the volume generated. The licensed program vendor, G. Phillips and Sons, can be reached at either (678) 232-6047 – tharding@gphillipsandsons.com; or (563) 942-0391 – pickup@gpsagrecycle.com. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/pesticidecontainerrecycling.
June 28, 2021 — MABA reminds our members that the extended deadline for RUP certification is approaching on June 30, 2021, which is this Wednesday!
MDARD had previously extended RUP certifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have been operating with an expired credential (i.e. a credential with an expiration date of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2020), the license will need to be renewed by the end of June. While your credential may take some time to process, once your application (including passing exam scores or sufficient RUP class credits) and check are received by the Department, and the check is processed, your renewal will be treated as valid.
In addition to ensuring you are up to speed with your own credentials, it will be important to avoid selling restricted products to those with an expired applicator license. Because there is an ongoing delay on processing applications and issuing physical license cards, MDARD provided this guidance for RUP dealers on this issue:
Restricted use pesticide dealers should verify the certification status of the person purchasing RUPs by checking the expiration date on the certification card. Dealers needing assistance with verifying the certification status of a person purchasing RUPs may contact MDARD at 800-292-3939.
Applicators who have renewed their certification by exam or seminar credits but do not receive their certification card by June 30 may purchase a RUP by providing exam result sheets with a passing score (70 percent or better) or seminar completion record (16 credits for private core / eight credits for commercial core and each category / two credits for fumigation), a copy of the completed certification renewal application, and a copy of the check or money order sent in as the application fee.
Contact MDARD or MABA with questions.
Agribusinesses: Bipartisan climate legislation is good news for Michigan agriculture, rewards agricultural innovation
LANSING, Mich. (June 24, 2021) – Following U.S. Senate passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu today issued the following statement:
“Today’s strong bipartisan approval of the Growing Climate Solutions Act in the U.S. Senate recognizes and rewards climate solutions being delivered every day by our nation’s farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities.
Senate approval of the Growing Climate Solutions Act is especially positive news here in Michigan. The incredible diversity of agricultural production in Michigan also makes our sector vulnerable to a wide array of risks posed by climate change. At the same time, our state is home to a long history of agricultural innovation, thinking ahead and meeting challenges head-on. The Growing Climate Solutions Act supports what we do best in Michigan: developing and deploying new solutions to keep agriculture going strong. It will position our Michigan agriculture sector to help overcome a generational challenge, while unlocking potential new market opportunities.
We appreciate Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Mike Braun for leading the way on this bipartisan proposal that values the innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit of our agriculture sector in the fight against climate change. Michigan agriculture will benefit from this measure, and we are hopeful it will be taken up and approved by the U.S. House as soon as possible.”
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June 2, 2021 — A diverse community of agricultural and conservation organizations today announced their support for Senate Bill 494, a proposal introduced by Senator Kevin Daley to continue the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and renew fees paid by farmers and agribusinesses to support the program.
Approximately 3,500 Michigan farms have completed nearly 6,000 on-farm verifications through MAEAP. MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that for more than 20 years has helped farms of all sizes and commodities voluntarily reduce agricultural pollution risks through education and on-farm assistance.
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