BISMARCK, N.D. - Nearly 95 tons of unusable pesticides were collected and transported out of North Dakota in 2011 through Project Safe Send.
"More than 380 people brought in a total of 189,996 pounds," said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. "These numbers clearly indicate a continuing need for this easy and affordable means for farmers, dealers and homeowners to get rid of these potentially dangerous chemicals."
Goehring said he is not surprised this year's total did not equal or surpass last year's amount.
"With the weather and delayed fieldwork we have had this year, many producers were not able to take part in this year's collection," he said. "I hope those who could not participate will safely store their unusable pesticides and bring them to next year's collections."
The record amount of pesticides collected was 215,594 pounds in 2010; the participation record was 535 in 2008.
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"Since 1992, more than 7,700 people have used Project Safe Send to get rid of their unusable pesticides, almost three million pounds," Goehring said. "This public support has helped maintain the program's strong, bipartisan backing in the Legislature."
Project Safe Send collections were conducted during July in Casselton, Cavalier, Center, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Lidgerwood, Medina, Fessenden, Stanley, Towner and Williston.
The Grand Forks collection drew the most participants - 65 people - and the most chemicals collected - 40,661.
Chemicals brought into this year's collection included long-banned products, such as DDT, arsenic, strychnine and mercury compounds. Veolia Environmental Services, Blaine, Minn., collected, repackaged and transported all the chemicals to out-of-state incinerators.
Project Safe Send is funded by fees paid by pesticide manufacturers to register their products in North Dakota.
Date Location Participants Pounds
July 7 Stanley 20 10,696
July 8 Williston 16 3,190
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July 12 Center 21 3,395
July 13 Medina 33 15,021
July 14 Fessenden 27 18,677
July 15 Towner 18 19,814
July 18 Devils Lake 27 29,823
July 19 Cavalier 51 14,184
July 20 Grand Forks 65 40,661
July 21 Casselton 53 19,901
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July 22 Lidgerwood 19 8,912
TOTAL 383 189,996
