Serving the High Plains

Curry County fairgrounds hosting pesticide disposals

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture will host a pesticide disposal event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at the Curry County Fairgrounds parking lot, located at Fair Grounds Road in Clovis.

This will be the first of three pesticide disposal events to be held throughout the state this year.

This event is free and is available to all New Mexico-based businesses and the general public with a need to dispose of unwanted pesticides. All forms of pesticides will be accepted, including, but not limited to, pesticide rinsate and treated seeds.

NMDA has hosted pesticide-disposal events throughout the state for the past 14 years. These events provide New Mexico businesses and residents the opportunity to dispose of unwanted pesticide products properly.

“We want to assist as many people in the state as we can with this service,” said Stephen Baca, NMDA Agricultural and Environmental Services Assistant Division director. “We hope that homeowners, business owners and others with pesticides to dispose of in Clovis and surrounding areas in New Mexico take advantage of this opportunity.”

NMDA continues to partner with Clean Earth to ensure the proper destruction of pesticides collected at these events.

“Clean Earth has enjoyed working with the state of New Mexico over the years to properly dispose of all pesticides collected during the events,” said Richard Creed, program manager at Clean Earth. “Proper pesticide waste disposal is an important part of responsible pesticide use. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water.”

Individuals attending the event should stay inside their vehicles unless directed otherwise. Staff will direct traffic flow and obtain information as needed. Please follow the directions from NMDA staff to ensure the safety of those at the event. No registration is required to participate.

NMDA will not accept large pesticide gas cylinders due to safety concerns.

For more information, please call (575) 646-2134 or email [email protected].