Anglian Water has organised a pesticide amnesty for farmers in Norfolk, allowing them to dispose of any redundant or unapproved pesticides free of charge.

The amnesty, which will run from 1st December until the end of January, is being launched in the county for farms in the Blackwater (Reepham) sub-catchment of the River Wensum. The river supplies a large amount of the drinking water for Norwich, and the water company said it wants to protect this important water course, whilst providing a service for farmers, who might otherwise find it difficult or expensive to dispose of any unwanted products.

Announcing the launch of the amnesty on Wednesday, Rob Holland, Anglian Water’s Catchment Advisor for Norfolk, commented “Pesticides are a vital part of the modern farm business and we know that farmers in Norfolk do all they can to use and store them responsibly. However, there are often pesticides left over at the end of the season and sometimes these can go out of date. There are also chemicals which were bought legitimately but which have now been withdrawn from the market. These unwanted chemicals could pose a risk to water quality if they are not disposed of properly.

“Although we can remove many chemicals from raw water before we put it into supply a far more sustainable, long term solution is to work alongside farmers to reduce the chance of pesticides getting into the water in the first place.”

Mr Holland also said water company advisors are working with farmers to help them protect water quality, through changing the way chemicals are applied or swapping certain “tricky” pesticides for alternatives that break down more quickly. he said highlighted the work of an established group of farmers, working together in the Upper Wensum, around Fakenham, who are aiming to improve environmental aspects of their farms including water quality.

Farmers can check if they are in the target area by calling Rob Holland, Anglian Water’s Catchment Advisor for Norfolk on 07802 856872. There is no charge for the service and collection will be anonymous.

To book a collection call David Brown, ChemClear Ltd on 07436 077304 or email info@chemclearltd.co.uk. Details of collections will remain confidential between the applicant and ChemClear Ltd.