Between 1 December and 16 January, farmers in Severn Trent priority catchments can sign up to dispose of unwanted pesticides through the water company’s free, COVID-secure Pesticide Amnesty scheme.

Adam Freer, Severn Trent senior catchment management scientist, explains that the scheme will help farmers remove chemicals that are generally difficult or costly to dispose of, while reducing the risk they pose to water quality and the environment.

“On a first come, first served basis, each farm can anonymously dispose of up to 75 litres or kilograms of pesticides, herbicides or rodenticides that have been banned or are passed their expiry date, through our expert disposal partner, Chemastic,” he says.

“This scheme also acts as a great reminder for farmers to review their stores, helping to ensure Red Tractor guidelines are met, while minimising the chance of environmental contamination.”

How it works:

1. Check whether you’re in a priority catchment here: www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/catchment-management/are-you-in-a-priority-catchment-/
2. Register your details with Chemastic by calling 01287 213155 or emailing amnesty@chemastic.com between 1 December 2020 and 16 January 2021
3. You will be required to provide the following details:

• Catchment name and code from the table below
• Product name
• Active ingredient and concentration
• Weight and volume of the product in containers
• Collection address, two contact phone numbers and an email address

1. After the registration period has closed, Chemastic will arrange a suitable collection date with you, ensuring all current COVID-19 government guidelines are adhered to