Oklahoma Applicators License Core Practice Exam

What should you do with pesticide wastes that are not empty containers?

1. Throw them in regular trash

2. Dispose in a hazardous waste landfill

3. Burn them in an open fire

4. Mix with household waste

The correct answer is: Dispose in a hazardous waste landfill

Pesticide wastes that are not empty containers must be handled with caution due to their potential hazards to human health and environmental safety. The appropriate course of action is to dispose of them in a hazardous waste landfill. This ensures that the pesticides are treated and contained safely, preventing contamination of soil, water, and air that could result from improper disposal methods. Hazardous waste landfills are specifically designed to manage toxic materials and provide the necessary controls to prevent leaching or spills. Properly disposing of pesticide waste in these facilities complies with environmental regulations and helps to protect public health by minimizing exposure to harmful substances. Other methods, such as throwing them in regular trash or burning them in an open fire, pose significant risks and do not adhere to environmental safety standards. Similarly, mixing pesticide waste with household waste can lead to unintended chemical reactions and environmental contamination. Therefore, utilizing a hazardous waste landfill is the most responsible and safe option for the disposal of pesticide wastes.