09/02/2026

A Quick Update from VDACS OPS:

2026 Virginia Pesticide Collection Program Offers Safe Disposal for Unwanted Pesticides

Have unwanted, outdated, or no-longer-needed pesticides taking up space in your storage area?
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Pesticide Collection Program is returning to Northeast Virginia in 2026, offering eligible participants an opportunity to dispose of unwanted pesticides at no cost.

The program is a cooperative effort of VDACS, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. Since 1997, more than 2 million pounds of pesticides have been collected and properly destroyed.

2026 Collection Dates

Collection events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:

• September 15 — Merrifield Garden Center-Fair Oaks, 12101 Route 29, Fairfax
• September 16 — James S. Long Regional Park, 4603 James Madison Hwy, Haymarket
• September 17 — Greenline Service Corp., 11417 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg

What Is Accepted?

The program is intended for unwanted agricultural and commercial pesticides, including outdated or banned products.

It is not a general chemical disposal program. Materials such as motor oil, paint, fuel, fertilizer, other non-pesticidal chemicals, and pesticide-contaminated materials are not accepted.

Pre-registration is encouraged and allows VDACS staff to review the materials participants plan to bring. If you are unsure whether a product qualifies or have concerns about safely transporting it, contact VDACS before bringing it to a collection event.

Participants are responsible for transporting materials to the collection site. In some cases, VDACS may be able to arrange transportation assistance for materials that cannot be safely moved.

For registration and additional information: Contact Marlene Larios, VDACS Office of Pesticide Services, at 804-371-6561 or marlene.larios@vdacs.virginia.gov. Participants may also contact their local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.

Take a look through your pesticide storage area now. An upcoming collection event may be a good opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of products you no longer need.