All amateur PPP containers can now be recycled

The UK’s health and safety regulator has said that empty containers of amateur concentrate PPPs (plant protection products) can now be recycled in the same way as empty containers of amateur ready-to-use PPPs.

Until recently, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) only permitted spent ready-to-use PPP containers to be placed in household recycling, but following new research, empty concentrate PPP containers can also now be disposed of in this way.

Amateur PPPs are herbicides and pesticides which can be used without specific training, and concentrate PPPs are those which require dilution before use, compared to read-to-use products which can be applied directly.

The HSE has asked manufactures of all amateur PPPs to update labels as follows by the next print run or 31 July 2028 at the latest, with the exception of iron sulphate alone or iron sulphate plus fertiliser:

‘Dispose of unrinsed empty container in household recycling.

Dispose of unused contents in original container at a Household Waste Recycling Centre as hazardous waste. Contact your local council for details.’

As per the new label text, it is important to never dispose of PPPs down a drain, sink, or toilet for environmental reasons, and those who do so could face prosecution.