EPA Pesticide Program Updates: September 19, 2001

IN THIS UPDATE:

• EPA Provides Guidance on Disposal Instructions for Non-Antimicrobial, Residential/Household Use Pesticide Product Labels
• EPA Further Extends Public Comment Period for Bt Crop Reassessment

EPA Provides Guidance on Disposal Instructions for Non-Antimicrobial, Residential/Household Use Pesticide Product Labels

Changes to the current disposal label statements should enhance the proper disposal of pesticide products and reduce potential risks to human health and the environment. These changes include the addition of the phrase "call your local solid waste agency," inclusion of a toll-free phone number, and the removal of the phrase "wrap in paper." Wrapping containers prior to disposal in the trash does not appear to provide reliable protection to sanitation workers and may result in accidental or unknown exposures.

EPA found that the differences between existing label disposal instructions and local disposal guidance may, understandably, confuse consumers, complicate local educational efforts, and interfere with state and local responsibilities. In 1996, while conducting consumer research to identify how to provide consumers with clear information on product labels, the Agency discovered that states and localities often direct the disposal of residential/household use pesticides to their local household hazardous waste (HHW) management facilities or programs rather than to landfills. EPA found that in many states, HHW management programs are based on state law that directs liquids of any kind, as well as HHW, away from landfills. Municipal codes, local practices and educational programs, in addition to state law, have been developed to tell consumers what to do with these materials.

You may obtain an electronic copy of this PR-Notice, as well as other PR-Notices. The Agency has established an official record for this action under docket control number OPP-00654A. The official record consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, a response to comments document, public comments received during the comment period, and other information related to this action. For more information, contact the Pesticide Docket at (703) 305-5805 and electronically on EPA's home page. You may also contact Amy Breedlove at 703-308-9069 or by fax at 305-5884; e-mail address: breedlove.amy@epa.gov.

EPA Further Extends Public Comment Period for Bt Crop Reassessment

EPA has extended the time allowed for public comment on the reassessment of the Bt corn registration in order to ensure that our decisions are based on the best available scientific analysis and to provide transparency in our decision-making process. A Federal Register notice announcing this extension will be published shortly. In addition, the six manuscripts are now available through our public docket.

Note: EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an interest in O.P. activities and decisions. We have established an electronic list serve for people who want to keep abreast of pesticide issues and decisions. This update service is part of EPA's continuing effort to improve public access to Federal pesticide information.

For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit OPP's home page.