Florida Launches Operation Cleansweep, a Pesticide Collection Program

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole announced today that their departments are once again joining forces to collect and safely dispose of cancelled, suspended or unusable commercial pesticides for the 9th annual Operation Cleansweep.

“Our agency’s efforts, and that of DEP, help remove unused and outdated pesticides from farms, businesses and other commercial sites – chemicals that otherwise could pose a danger to the public and to our environment,” Commissioner Bronson said.  “This ongoing partnership continues to illustrate what government can accomplish when it works together.”

Operation Cleansweep collects and disposes of pesticides to protect agricultural workers, emergency responders, the public and the environment from potential health and environmental risks from stored pesticides.  Some products are old and may be stored in containers that are deteriorating, while others, such as chlordane and DDT, can no longer be used legally.  To date, more than 1.2 million pounds of pesticide products have been collected from nearly 1,800 participating farms, dairies, ranches, nurseries, golf courses and professional pest control operations in 65 counties.

“Operation Cleansweep is a convenient, cost-effective public-private partnership to dispose of unwanted or outdated pesticides, providing free collection and disposal for Florida’s pesticide consumers,” said DEP Secretary Sole. “This program provides a safe method of collection and disposal that is more protective of Florida’s natural resources and our agricultural economy.” 

To participate in Operation Cleansweep, commercial pesticide applicators can call the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services toll-free at (877) 851-5285 or download the sign up form at www.flaes.org/pdf/Flyer2006.pdf; or for more information, visit DEP’s website at www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/cleansweep-pesticides.