DEC has undertaken a number of special initiatives to protect pollinators, Long Island groundwater, and the environment from inappropriate pesticide storage, use and disposal. In addition, DEC encourages the public to pursue options for reducing pesticide use at their homes and workplaces.
Special Pesticides Initiatives In NY
The Spring 2025 collection will take place from May 13-16, 2025 in the Hudson Valley region. For more information about CleanSweepNY or to request a registration form for the Spring 2025 collection, please email ([email protected]) or call 518-225-8146.
Tuesday, May 13 - Kingston (Ulster County)
Wednesday, May 14 - Fishkill (Dutchess County)
Thursday, May 15 - Middletown (Orange County)
Friday, May 16 - Valhalla (Westchester County)
The primary goal of CleanSweepNY is to help farmers, owners of former farms, and commercial pesticide applicators dispose of unwanted or unusable pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in a safe and legal manner at no cost to them. CleanSweepNY also aims to help schools dispose of unusable school laboratory, janitorial and other legacy chemicals. CleanSweepNY is administered by DEC’s Bureau of Pesticides Management.
CleanSweepNY provides these services through yearly funding from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. DEC contracts with a permitted hazardous waste transporter for the collection, sorting, packing, transport and destruction (or recycling) of all materials collected.
All CleanSweepNY participants must comply with RCRA hazardous waste regulations, if applicable. Additional information can be found on DEC’s Hazardous Waste Counting Rules webpage.
DEC’s CleanSweepNY team administers two collections per year (Spring and Fall), each consisting of multiple drop-off sites.
Participants must pre-register to bring materials to a CleanSweepNY drop-off. If deemed necessary by DEC’s CleanSweepNY team, certain chemicals will be picked up at the farm/business/school due to safety, volume or transport concerns.
Please note CleanSweepNY services are not available to homeowners. Visit DEC’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) webpage for more information regarding disposal of household chemicals.
Reducing Pesticide Use
Here are some special initiatives pertaining to pesticides or ways to reduce pesticide use.
- New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM) - Information provided by Cornell University about IPM for farmers, residents, and certified pesticide applicators.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles - EPA information about Integrated Pest Management.
- Sustainable Landscaping - Information for residents and landscapers about maintaining lawns.
- Minimum Risk Pesticides - EPA information about what qualifies to be a Minimum Risk Pesticide.
Important Links
DMM, Bureau of Pesticides Management
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-7257