Assessment of the current waste management practices on farm operations in Perth County, Ontario, final report

The management of wastes from all sources has become a major concern for governments, industry and the general public. This study examined the current waste management practices and included collecting data on; types and quantities of wastes produced by farm operations; the current waste disposal methods; possible areas of environmental concern; and opinions of farm operators regarding alternatives. The waste types examined included; pesticide related, including containers; fertilizer, including containers; machinery wastes including waste oils, oil filters and batteries; and household and yard related wastes. Data was collected through a personally administered questionnaire that was delivered to farm operators randomly throughout Perth County. The sample was stratified by farm type on the premise that different farm types could have grow different crops and thus have different wastes. Particular emphasis was given to pesticide container disposal and the potential environmental impacts resulting from current disposal practices. About 62% of farm operators reporting applying their own pesticides reported rinsing the containers 2 times or less prior to disposal. The recommended practice is to rinse the container 3 times or more, puncture and bury 50 cm below ground. The majority of those reporting applying their own pesticides reported burning the waste pesticide containers (60%). Waste fertilizer plastic bags were almost exclusively burned (98%). Machinery wastes disposal practices varied; 80% reused waste oil; 92% landfilled waste oil filters; 59% recycled waste batteries. The waste oil was used either for dust suppressant for driveways or for barn equipment lubrication. Most operators were very cooperative and concerned about the environment in general. Generally suggestions as to alternative practices for disposing of for example waste pesticide containers, had to be suggested by the interviewer. Most were willing to get involved in recycling pesticide containers but also stated that there would be some logistical problems.