New Refillable Container and Repackaging Requirements

Consistent with this commitment to stewardship, the industry has worked closely with EPA in the development of a Pesticide Container and Containment (PCC) rule. Primary objectives of this rule are facilitating the disposal & recycling of pesticide containers and protecting the environment from potential pesticide releases due to spills & leaks in storage or when refilling/dispensing plant protection products.  The requirements of the PCC rule have been phased in since it was finalized in 2006.  Industry has participated in; training, the development of certification of retail centers for compliance with storage requirements and working to ensure smooth implementation of the rule so that the objectives are met and regulatory burden is minimized.  

The final phase of implementation of the rule goes into effect on August 16th, 2011.  After this date, registrants will be required to incorporate new container management language on the labels of products released for shipment.  Pesticide users will be required to follow the new container management instructions as soon as they appear on the labels.  Additionally, stationary tanks and portable refillable containers will be required to be compliant with the PCC rule.  The labels of non-refillable containers will have recycling or reconditioning instructions.  Labels (on containers) of refillable containers will have instructions for cleaning the container before it is recycled or disposed of.