Pesticide Use & Disposal

What Are Pesticides?

"Pesticide" is the general term for any substance designed to eliminate undesired insects, weeds, rodents, fungi, bacteria and other organisms. Pesticides come in many forms and even include house- hold bleach and swimming pool chemicals. Pesticides can be categorized as:

  • Insecticides (for insects)
  • Herbicides (for weeds)
  • Fungicides (for fungus diseases)

Benefits of Pesticide Free

There are many risks associated with pesticide use:

  • Damage to human health, particularly for younger children
  • Damage to non-target plants, pets, beneficial insects and wildlife
  • Pesticides runoff into local waterways, streams and the ocean
  • Contaminates soil and groundwater
  • Even small pesticide use by individuals will add up and have significant impacts to the local environment and beyond
  • Exposure linked to several types of cancer and potential hormone disruption

Manage Pests without Pesticides

Prior to the 1940s, synthetic pesticides did not exist. Preventative, biological, physical, behavioral and chemical controls were used to reduce pests. Use the below tips to mange pests in an environmentally sound way, without pesticides.

Pesticide Disposal

Pesticides are household hazardous waste and must be properly disposed of. If added to the garbage or flushed, these chemicals can harm septic systems and our watershed. Drop off leftover pesticides at no charge at the following depots:

Hartland Landfill
Hartland Avenue, West Saanich
Tel: 250.727.3331
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 7am-2pm
Ellice Recycling
524 David Street
Tel: 250.386.4342
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5pm
Salt Spring Island Recycling Depot
349 Rainbow Road
Tel: 250.537.1200
Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Alpine Recycling
1045 Dunford Avenue
Tel: 250.474.5145
Monday - Saturday 8am - 4:30pm

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The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation