New Regulations for Refillable Pesticide Containers

Regulations will go into effect after August 16, 2011 which will affect retailers, commercial applicators, custom blenders, re-fillers, and registrants of refillable pesticide containers.  Essentially, these new regulations will affect those who use and handle mini-bulk pesticide containers, including growers.  The EPA published the final Pesticide Container and Containment (PCC) Rule in 2006 which sets forth the rules below considering refillable pesticide containers.  Regulations will be enforced by the U.S. EPA in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry in the state of Mississippi.  Failure to comply with these regulations may result in monetary penalties.

 After August 16, 2011 all refillable pesticide containers must meet the following requirements:

• One-way valves or tamper evident devices must be present on container openings
• Containers must be cleaned between uses unless tamper evident devices and/or one-way valves are intact and container is refilled with the same product
• Records must be kept for each inspection and fill
• Cleaning instructions and repackaging authorization must be kept on-hand
• Containers must have a unique identifier
• Containers must meet DOT design, construction, and marking specifications
• Size limit will be determined by registrant
• Containers must be on the approved list from the registrant
• EPA establishment number and net contents must be on the label affixed to the container
• Container integrity is the responsibility of the re-filler and the registrant

 These rules are being put into effect in an effort to reduce the number pesticide injury complaints that result from contaminated mini-bulks.  Those refillable containers that do not meet the above requirements will be obsolete and continued use may results in fines and/or other penalties.