Illinois Department of Agriculture starts recycling program

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture is starting a new program for farmers to recycle fertilizer and pesticide containers.

Department officials say beginning in late July there will be sites throughout the state that collect containers and recycle them into small plastic chips that will be used to make shipping pallets, fence posts, drainage tubing and plastic lumber among other products.

Agriculture director Bob Flider says the program offers farmers "a convenient opportunity to dispose of empty pesticide containers and demonstrate their environmental stewardship."

Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible for the recycling program.

Participants are responsible for rinsing containers and removing all caps, labels, booklets and seals.