Pesticide Stewardship Partnership

Waste Pesticide Collection Program

Unused or unwanted pesticides, especially those in aging or damaged containers, can accidentally expose people to chemicals or cause pesticides to accidently enter waterways in many ways. ODA offers free collection events for proper pesticide disposal from agricultural and commercial applicators. Inventory from pesticide retailers, up to 1,000lbs per company per year, is occasionally considered to fill smaller events. Household pesticides can be disposed of through the Household Hazardous Waste Program. These events are partially funded by pesticide registration fees. Over 719,000 lbs of pesticides have been collected and removed from the environment since 2006.

To schedule a pick-up of triple-rinsed empty containers for recycling, please call 503.390.2381 or email. Drop-off of triple-rinsed empty containers are accepted anytime at the Agri-Plas Inc. office, 5016 Waconda Road NE, Brooks. 

About the Pesticide Stewardship Program

The Pesticide Stewardship Partnership (PSP) Program is a voluntary program that relies on local partnerships to monitor pesticide levels in waterways and enact solutions to protect water quality while managing pests and maintaining crop yield. Local efforts include implementing projects based on technical assistance, outreach, and education. The PSP works as a feedback loop with the water quality sampling data continuously being used to evaluate pesticides of concern, the effectiveness of education and collaborative projects on an annual basis.

The multi-agency PSP is an alternative to traditional regulatory approaches (i.e., pollution budgets or Total Maximum Daily Loads) under the Clean Water Act. This is why many pesticide users support the PSP Program; it allows an opportunity for voluntary behavior change prior to regulatory action by DEQ.

There are currently nine PSP areas across the state that cover a range of land use and partner groups. The goals of the PSP program are to:

• Identify potential concerns and improve water quality affected by pesticide use around Oregon.
• Combine local expertise and water quality sampling results to encourage voluntary changes in pesticide use and management practices
• Find ways to reduce pesticide levels while measuring improvements in water quality and crop management.
• Work toward measurable environmental improvements, making Oregon waters safer for aquatic life and humans.

Each year, ODA reviews the water quality data with other agencies and our local partners to look for improvements in water quality. A comprehensive list of program successes can be found in the biennial report.

Who manages the PSP?

ODA is the state lead for the PSP program. ODA created an interagency team, the Water Quality Pesticide Management Team (WQPMT), composed of representatives from multiple state agencies has been formed to efficiently address the protection of waters of the state from pesticide contamination.

Meeting information

The WQPMT meets virtually on the third Thursday every other month. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted below.

Feedback from the public

The PSP Advisory Group (AG) represents a wide range of community groups interested in pesticide use and environmental topics. The AG was created to provide suggestions to the WQPMT on issues related to the administration of the Pesticide Stewardship Partnership.

PSP areas