Safe Storage and Disposal of Lawn and Garden Products Protect Family Well-Being and the Environment


MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Jul 28, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Lawn and garden products are key to growing and maintaining beautiful lawns, flowerbeds and other landscaping around homes. When those products are put away for the season, however, their proper storage and disposal can also contribute meaningfully to a more beautiful world in other ways.

"Lawn and garden products can be used safely year after year, but their proper storage is critical," said Chris Schmenk, director of Environmental Stewardship at Scotts. "It is never appropriate to spill excess product down the drain or into a storm sewer. It is also important not to allow products to be spilled onto a hard surface where they can drain out to the driveways or a street. Proper storage and disposal will keep products where they belong -- on lawns and in gardens -- and help ensure we keep our water clean and our families safe."

Safe storage of these products goes hand in hand with using them responsibly. It is important to limit unnecessary exposure to people and avoid unwanted release or runoff of garden products into the environment. For example, fertilizer should be stored in tightly sealed bags and kept away from wet or damp conditions. Similarly, liquid lawn and garden products should be tightly sealed -- preferably in their original container. This not only makes it less likely for the products to be spilled, but also less likely to be mistaken for something that is edible or enticing to children. These products also should be kept from freezing.

If products have been completely used, it is appropriate to place the empty package or container in the trash. A partially filled package that will not be used next year should be taken to a local solid waste disposal agency.

Scotts suggests homeowners adhere to the following "dos and don'ts" for proper storage and disposal of pesticides:


* Do keep lawn and garden products in a safe place away from children and pets. Store them above the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
* Do store chemical-based products above ground in waterproof, airtight containers to avoid leaks.
* Do keep products in their original containers with the label intact to avoid confusion and possible ingestion.
* Do only buy the amount of product needed for one season's use. Consider purchasing ready-to-use products versus concentrates to avoid having to mix the chemicals and then safely store the leftovers.
* Do dispose of a small amount of extra product by using it on your lawn or garden. If that option is not available, work with state and local agencies (800/CLEAN-UP) to determine chemical disposal options.
* Do read the instructions on the back of each Scotts' package for instructions on proper storage or disposal of the product. Please contact our experts if you have further questions at 800/543-TURF or http://www.scotts.com .
* Don't store pesticides near a source of water or a location susceptible to flooding.
* Don't store pesticides near sources of heat, flame or spark.

Dedicated to a Beautiful World

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The Scotts Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, with a full range of products for professional horticulture as well. The Company owns the industry's most recognized brands. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R) and Ortho(R) brands are market leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup(R) brand which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol(R), Pathclear(R), Evergreen(R), Levington(R), Miracle-Gro(R), KB(R), Fertiligene(R) and Substral(R).

SOURCE The Scotts Company
http://www.scotts.com