27 September 2004
Farmers Urged To Use Free Agrichemical Collection
Farmers should make the most of free collection services for unwanted agrichemicals, says Hugh Ritchie, National Board
member of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).
Mr Ritchie was responding to the Government’s ratification today of the Stockholm Convention, which bans the import and
manufacture of nine persistent organic pollutant pesticide (POP) substances. The substances are Aldrin, Chlordane, DDT,
Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, Mirex, Hexachlorobenzene, and Toxaphene.
By signing the convention New Zealand is required to dispose of the chemicals in an environmentally-friendly way from 27
December, 2004 (90 days after ratification).
“New Zealand farmers will not have used these chemicals for many years, but may have some forgotten in storage. Now is
the time to get rid of them in a responsible manner for free,” said Mr Ritchie.
After Christmas 2004, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) will be able to order farmers to pay for the
disposal of any POPs found on their property - which in most cases will involve exporting to Europe for safe disposal.
To avoid this cost, the Ministry for the Environment is giving farmers the opportunity to have all unwanted
agrichemicals collected from their farms for free, and is coordinating regional councils to undertake collections and
arrange disposal.
“Farmers should contact their local regional council for more information about when the collections are being held.
Until then, unwanted agrichemicals should continue to be stored safely and securely,” said Mr Ritchie.
For general information about the agrichemical collection programme visit:
www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/waste/special/agrichemicals/.
ENDS