LANSING, MI – Founded in 1996, Michigan’s Clean Sweep Program helps protect the state’s natural resources and prevents pollution by ensuring the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused or unwanted pesticides, mercury and pharmaceuticals.
“Clean Sweep is a proven example of how environmental protection can be accomplished through state, federal, local and industry partnerships,” said Keith Creagh, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director. “This program continues to lead the way in the proper disposal of pesticides, mercury and pharmaceuticals translating into cleaner and safer farmsteads, households, and communities.”
MDARD, in cooperation with its local and federal partners, has established 17 permanent Clean Sweep sites located throughout Michigan to accept and properly dispose of these materials at no cost from agricultural producers, golf courses, agri-businesses and other individuals.
The program has received an infusion of funding from a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant to collect and safely dispose of outdated, unused, unwanted, and potentially harmful pesticides like DDT and chlordane, as well as mercury and pharmaceuticals. Over the past 15 years, Clean Sweep has removed nearly 1.9 million pounds of pesticides from circulation. Last year alone, 120,014 pounds of pesticides, 10,000 pounds of pharmaceuticals, and 1,500 pounds of mercury were collected through the program.
MDARD, through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and supported by pesticide and fertilizer registration fees on specialty and agricultural products, provides funding to local communities to support the disposal of pesticides. Local units of government staff maintain the sites, schedule collections and conduct other activities.
For more information and a list of Clean Sweep sites and collection schedules across Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/cleansweep or call 517-241-3933.
Here’s contact information for the Clean Sweep Program 2012 Directory site closest to ‘River Country’:
Tom Dewhirst
Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County
Health & Community Services Department
1301 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269.383.8741
tmdewh@kalcounty.com
http://www.kalcounty.com/HHW/index.htm
