Storage, Transport & Disposal
Proper storage, transportation, and disposal of pesticides prevent accidents and environmental contamination. This topic covers storage facility requirements, labeling and inventory management, DOT transportation regulations, triple-rinsing containers, disposal through authorized programs, and spill response and reporting procedures.
Study Guide: Storage, Transport & Disposal
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: What is the EPA guideline for triple rinsing pesticide containers?
- A. Rinse once with warm water
- B. Rinse with pesticide solvent
- C. Rinse with soap only
- D. Fill container 1/4 full with water, seal, shake vigorously, pour rinsate into spray tank â repeat 3 times â
Triple rinsing: fill 10-25% with water, replace cap, shake 30 seconds, pour rinsate into spray tank. Repeat twice more. This removes 99%+ of residue.
Q2: What is a "pressure rinse" system for containers?
- A. A device that punctures the container and rinses the interior with pressurized water while draining into the spray tank â
- B. A dishwasher for containers
- C. A pressure washer
- D. A steam cleaner
Pressure rinsing uses a nozzle that punctures the container bottom and sprays pressurized water inside for 30+ seconds. It is more effective than triple rinsing and is done in one step.
Q3: How should empty pesticide containers be disposed of?
- A. In regular household trash
- B. Burn in the open
- C. Bury in the field
- D. Triple rinse or pressure rinse, puncture to prevent reuse, and recycle through a container recycling program or dispose in a licensed landfill â
After triple rinsing, puncture the bottom to prevent reuse. Return to a container recycling program if available, or dispose in a licensed sanitary landfill following local regulations.
Q4: Can pesticide containers be reused for other purposes?
- A. Yes, after washing
- B. Only for non-food items
- C. No â pesticide containers should never be reused for any purpose including storing food, water, or animal feed â
- D. Only for the same pesticide
Never reuse pesticide containers for any purpose. Even after rinsing, trace residues may remain. Reusing containers for food or water has caused poisonings. Recycle or properly dispose of them.
Q5: What is the minimum distance pesticides should be stored from wells?
- A. No minimum distance
- B. 10 feet
- C. 25 feet
- D. At least 100 feet from any well, spring, or other water source â
Store pesticides at least 100 feet from any well, spring, stream, or water source to prevent contamination from spills or leaks. Greater distances are recommended where soil is sandy or water table is shallow.
Q6: What temperature requirements apply to pesticide storage?
- A. Store according to label requirements; most pesticides should be kept above freezing and below 100F in a climate-controlled area â
- B. Any temperature is fine
- C. Always refrigerate
- D. Only avoid direct sunlight
Many pesticides deteriorate or become hazardous at extreme temperatures. Freezing can break emulsions, and high heat increases vapor pressure and degradation. Check each label for specific requirements.
Q7: What type of structure is required for storing large quantities of pesticides?
- A. A locked, well-ventilated building with impervious floor, secondary containment, and fire protection â
- B. Any shed or garage
- C. A wooden barn
- D. An open carport
Commercial pesticide storage requires: locked access, ventilation, impervious floor with containment, fire suppression, emergency equipment, spill cleanup supplies, and separation from food/feed.
Q8: Why must pesticides be stored separately from food, feed, and seeds?
- A. To save space
- B. Only for appearance
- C. Cross-contamination can render food unsafe, and volatiles from some pesticides can be absorbed by food and feed â
- D. It is not necessary
Pesticide vapors, leaks, or spills can contaminate food and feed, making them dangerous. Even sealed food can absorb volatile pesticide fumes. Separate, dedicated storage prevents contamination.
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