Residents of the municipality of Westerveld today handed in 153 kilos of chemical pesticides to the waste transfer station in Havelte. In exchange for handing in waste, people received a voucher of 5 euros, to be spent at local entrepreneurs.
Pesticides against vermin such as mice, rats, ants and snails were mainly handed in, the Westerveld municipality reports. It also concerns stuff to prevent weeds between tiles or in the vegetable garden.
The action was started because some of the residents have outdated chemical agents in their possession, which must be thrown away. “These products are very harmful to aquatic life and must absolutely not end up in the sewer. That is why it is important to destroy pesticides in the right way,” the municipality stated earlier.
In addition to Westerveld, the Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Board was involved in the initiative. Policy advisor Berry Bergman warns of the risks if the pesticides end up in ditches, canals or rivers. “After the collection morning, we know for sure that these 153 kilos of harmful substances no longer pose a danger to our animals, plants and the water system. A great result.”
Both parties emphasize that small chemical waste, such as many pesticides, can always be returned to the local waste disposal station.
