USAg Recycling, Inc

USAg Recycling, Inc. specializes in recycling crop protection product containers. As we are supported by the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC), we are able to provide our services for FREE!We work closely with county extension agents, universities, and state Departments of Agriculture.  If you have a large quantity and would like us to pick up your plastic on one of our routes, please fill out a service request or call toll free at 1 (800) 654-3145.

In order to participate in our recycling program, containers must meet certain standards related to the size and type of plastic. If your containers are eligible, you will need to follow specific instructions regarding the preparation and proper rinsing of your containers.

Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC)

The ACRC is an industry funded not-for-profit organization safely collects and recycles one-way rigid HDPE plastic agricultural crop protection, specialty pest control, animal health, micronutrient/fertilizer, and/or adjuvant product containers. This is done through member funding of cost effective programs that foster public health and safety, environmental protection, resource conservation and end user convenience.

The organization supports state level container collection programs, and works closely with the EPA, state environmental regulatory agencies, and departments of agriculture and natural resources. ACRC works directly with contractors to granulate and transport flaked containers from state approved sites. In addition, the ACRC conducts extensive research to identify acceptable end uses for recycled container plastic.

Rigid high density polyethylene (HDPE) that previously held products utilized in the following markets:

• Crop Protection – Containers that held EPA registered crop protection products labeled for agricultural uses. Containers that previously held non- registered products such as adjuvants, crop oils and surfactants are also eligible for recycling.
• Specialty Pesticides and Fertilizers – Containers that held EPA registered products labeled for professional Structural Pest Control, Animal Health, Turf and Ornamental, Vegetation Management, Nursery and Greenhouse, Forestry, Aquatics, and Public Health uses are eligible for recycling, Containers that previously held non-registered products such as adjuvants, crop oils and surfactants are also eligible for pick up.
• Pest Control Operators, Structural Pest Control – Containers that held EPA registered products labeled for professional application.

Follow these steps in preparing your containers:

• EMPTY: Plastic containers must be empty to be recycled.
• RINSE: Containers must be empty and triple-rinsed or pressure-rinsed to remove all residue. Staining is acceptable. Caked-on residue is not. Be sure there is no residue that can be smeared or will flake off when touched with a glove. The interior surfaces of containers must be dry.
• DISCARD CAP: Caps are usually made of a different kind of plastic and cannot be recycled. Be sure to clean the cap at the time the container is rinsed. Never put a cap back on a cleaned container. Dispose of the cleaned caps as normal solid waste.
• REMOVE LABELS: Labels and booklets interfere with the recycling process and should be removed.
  STORAGE: Cleaned containers must be kept out of the rain and away from the rain water. Store cleaned containers in a roofed building, an enclosed trailer, or in plastic bags.