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The Ministry of Environmental Protection has launched its new pesticide waste collection campaign in the agricultural sector, in continuation of last year's campaign. In 2009, the Ministry, in coordination with the Poisons Monitoring Unit of the Nature and Parks Authority, initiated an experimental campaign for the collection of pesticide waste in which some 20 tons of hazardous waste were collected from two regions in Israel. Pesticide waste is known to accumulate in the agricultural sector. This waste is made up of pesticide and chemical residues, most of which constitute expired pesticide in defective and often unmarked containers, which, if haphazardly discarded, may threaten to harm human beings, cause groundwater and soil pollution and lead to hazardous substances events as a result of leaks and/or fires. It may also cause food chain poisoning, hurt wildlife and even cause their death. In many instances, damage is not immediate and may only be manifested after many years. For example, slow infiltration of pesticides to groundwater or cumulative damage to farmers residing in the vicinity of defective, open or leaking pesticide containers, who are exposed to pesticides over prolonged period. As part of the campaign, the Ministry is collecting pesticide waste, including pesticide residues, expired pesticides, spilled pesticides and pesticides in defective containers. Pesticide waste may adversely impact people, contaminate the soil and water sources, cause accidents and lead to the death of animals, and at times, to food chain poisoning. The 2010 campaign continues last year's campaign for the purpose of completing the collection and removal of hazardous waste from farmers throughout the country. The service is being provided to the public, free of charge. Further details are available on the Ministry of Environmental Protection's Hebrew website. In preparation for the campaign and in order to facilitate the removal of pesticide waste, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has recommended the following: - Farmers holding pesticide wastes for removal are invited to apply to the environmental headquarters or to regional/local councils.
- Farmers holding pesticides should check all materials stored in their facilities and should store the materials destined for removal separately. A detailed list of these materials should be forwarded to the Environmental Headquarters.
- Handling of pesticides requires appropriate precautionary measures.
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