Update on Alabama Clean Day Program: Pesticide Collection Highlights and Future Planning
The Alabama Clean Day Program, with its first pesticide collection in Baldwin County in 1994, has successfully managed the disposal of over 667,690 pounds of pesticides through no-cost collections for farmers. Led by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) in partnership with the Department of Environmental Management, the program has consistently relied on grants for funding. With events serving all 67 counties, the initiative is poised for another year of collections in 2013, alongside hiring a full-time biologist to oversee Clean Day and Container Recycling.
Update on Alabama Clean Day Program: Pesticide Collection Highlights and Future Planning
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Presentation Transcript
Alabama Clean Day Update Tony Cofer Division Director Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries TSPA Mobile Alabama February 6-7, 2013
Alabama Clean Day ProgramPesticide Collection History • The first pesticide collection in Alabama was 1994 in Baldwin County. • ADAI is the Lead Agency for Pesticides. • ADAI and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management has partnered to deliver no-cost collections to farmers. • The program has never been funded by the state legislature.
History (con’t) • Funding source s have always been through grants. (319, TVA, FIFRA, EPA) • Events are conducted as one-day collections at a specific set location. • All 67 counties throughout the state have been serviced, with some areas having multiple opportunities to participate.
History (con’t) • 667,690 total pounds of pesticides collected since 1994-2009. • Total dollars expended since 1994 is over $800,000 • Average cost per pound for disposal = $1.41 • Last cost per pound for disposal = .95
Present and Future • Currently Alabama is planning for 2013 collections. • The RFP is being finalized and should be published in February 2013. • Since the budget crisis seem to be leveling out, we are hopeful to have a program every year. • ADAI is hiring a full-time Biologist. This new hire will be responsible for Clean Day and Container Recycling.
