Dear Eco-Monkey >> What should I do with my old pesticide containers? I’m cleaning out a garage and some still have fluid in them.

Thanks, Hugh

Hi Hugh >> We don’t want a pile of chemicals buggin’ ya!

Pesticides and herbicides are considered hazardous waste, so they should never go in the trash or recycling bin. Instead, take them to a hazardous waste facility. If you live in Boulder County, Broomfield County, or the Town of Erie, you can drop them off for free at Boulder County’s Hazardous Materials Management Facility, located at 1901 63rd St, Boulder. They’re open Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 am—4:30 pm. Just bring proof of residency, like a driver’s license or utility bill.

Before using or buying more chemicals, consider this: there are safer, healthier ways to manage pests and weeds — ones that protect your family, your pets, and the planet.

Pesticides and herbicides are major sources of pollution, harmful to human health, and a leading driver of biodiversity loss. Many of the species you don’t want to harm — like native bees, butterflies, bats, and songbirds — are experiencing population declines in part due to chemical use.

If you’re dealing with pests and weeds in your lawn or garden, try Integrated Pest Management (IPM) instead. This holistic, sustainable approach helps manage pests with fewer or no chemicals. Boulder County offers great tips on their website at boco.org/pesticides.

Here are a few highlights:

Grow healthy lawns: Healthy lawns and plants need fewer pesticides and herbicides. Set your mower blade to 2.5 inches or higher to promote a healthy, resilient lawn. Enrich your soil with compost and/or Eco-Cycle’s Microbe Brew Compost Tea (available at 6400 Arapahoe Rd in Boulder), and pour boiling water on weeds in cracks.

• Attract beneficial bugs: Invite spiders, beetles, and other predatory insects to keep pest populations in check.

• Plant native species: Native plants support native bugs and pollinators, promoting a healthy ecosystem in your yard.

• Try companion planting: Use pest-deterring plants like basil, chives, petunias, or chrysanthemums.

• Rotate crops: Switching up what you plant each year helps prevent pest buildup in the soil.

And if you must use pesticides, please use them sparingly. Avoid applying them before rain or watering, as this can cause runoff into waterways, and read labels carefully—some ingredients are linked to childhood cancer and other serious health issues.

May your summer garden be healthy and pest-free!

— Eco-Monkey

Got Zero Waste questions? We have answers! Contact recycle@ecocycle.org or call Eco-Cycle at 303-444-6634.