4.6 Pesticide waste

4.6(1)
Pesticide waste generated by the agricultural sector consists amongst others of: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, seed treatments and plant growth regulators as well as the containers used to store them. Despite being a relatively ‘small’ waste stream in quantity, these are highly toxic chemicals which may bio-accumulate in the food-chain and have major health consequences should they not be used and managed appropriately.

4.6(2)
An approximated stockpile of 700 tons of residual pesticides and containers have accumulated in farming areas which require treatment disposal and in some instances remediation of contaminated land.
In terms of implementing the waste hierarchy, the immediate focus for this waste stream needs to be on safe treatment and disposal.

4.6(3)
South Africa was identified as one of 7 countries to implement an Africa Stockpiles Programs which aimed to collect and safely dispose of obsolete and unwanted pesticides in Africa. A pilot project was undertaken in the Limpopo province where approximately 80 tons of stocks were collected. These pesticides will be shipped for incineration and disposal internationally. Remaining funds will be used to collect pesticides in an additional two provinces.

4.6(4)
The agricultural and veterinary industry through their Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Association of South Africa (AVCASA) has been identified as  one of the first four industries that have been requested to produce an IndWMP in order to identify how the industry will minimise, manage and fund the management of their waste stream.

4.6(5)
AVCASA proposes that funds will be raised via a levy which is placed on each drum sold. The funds will be collected by the manufacturers and managed by AVCASA. Funds will also be used to remediate pre-existing contamination.

4.6(6)
On acceptance of an IndWMP DEA will develop a supporting regulation relating to the proposed AVCASA levy.