Common practices of farmers on disposal of pesticide waste after use were surveyed in five
regions of the rural area of Pieria in northern Greece using a structured questionnaire
administered via personal interviews. Concerning leftover spray solutions, most farmers
reported that they normally re-spray the treated field area until the spraying tank is empty
(54.9%) or they apply the leftover spray solutions to another crop listed on the product label
(30.2%). A minority of the farmers (4.3%) mentioned that they often release the leftover spray
solutions near or into irrigation canals and streams. As regards rinsates generated from
washing the application equipment, most farmers reported that they release the rinsates
over a non-cropped area (45.7%) or they drop the rinsates near or into irrigation canals and
streams (40.7%). Moreover, a great proportion of the farmers stated that they dump the
empty containers by the field (30.2%) or they throw them near or into irrigation canals and
streams (33.3%). Burning the empty containers in open fire (17.9%) or throwing the empty
containers in common waste places (11.1%) was also reported. Several farmers stated that
they continue to use old pesticides for spraying (35.8%). Training programs which raise
awareness of farmers of the potential hazards of pesticide use and particularly of the proper
management of waste products, recycling programs and collection systems for unwanted
agricultural chemicals to prevent inappropriate waste disposal, as well as improving
packaging of pesticides to minimize waste production are essential for promoting safety
during all phases of pesticide handling.