What is a recommended disposal step for pesticide rinsate in New Jersey?

• A. Triple rinse or pressure rinse, puncture and recycle where allowed; store rinsate for proper disposal; follow NJ regulations.
• B. Leave rinsed containers in open air to dry.
• C. Rinse once with water and reuse the water for growing plants.
• D. Dispose by dumping into storm drain.

Answer: (A)

Rinsate is the leftover liquid that’s still in contact with pesticide residues after cleaning containers or equipment, and it can be hazardous to people and the environment if not handled properly. The best disposal step is to triple rinse or pressure rinse the containers, puncture them to prevent reuse, recycle where allowed, and store the rinsate for proper disposal in accordance with New Jersey regulations. This approach dramatically reduces the amount of residue left in containers, enables safe recycling or disposal, and keeps contaminated liquid out of soil and waterways by directing it to permitted disposal facilities. Leaving rinsed containers to dry in the open air can release residues; rinsing once and reusing the water for growing plants risks contaminating crops and soil; and dumping rinsate into a storm drain can directly pollute waterways and is not allowed. Following NJ regulations ensures the rinsate is managed safely and legally.