Fertilizers containing weed killers or insect killers should not be thrown away with your trash. Rain and snowmelt run-off from your driveway or sidewalk carries herbicides, pesticides and nutrients from fertilizers, including phosphorus, into our lakes and rivers. That run-off affects water quality and may encourage the growth of algae, making water smelly and ruining habitats for fish and wildlife.
Reduction Tips
Before applying fertilizers that contain pesticides on your lawn or garden, consider safer alternatives:- Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Reduce the need for fertilizer application and watering during the growing season while keeping your lawn safe for children and pets.
- Try composting. Without harmful chemicals, your family and pets can play outdoors worry-free all year long.
- Use finished compost, made right in your own backyard from leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials. You'll supply your plants with nutrients and reduce the need to water. For information on getting started and what to compost, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency web site.
- Choose native flowers and plants that require little water, fertilizer and maintenance. Native beauties include columbine, lupine and wild geranium. For more information visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service web site.
Disposal Information
You can find out your fertilizer needs by doing a soil test. Your county extension office can help you with the soil test. If you must use fertilizers occasionally, keep an eye out for ways to minimize harm. Tips for using fertilizers:- Buy and use only what you need. Using twice as much fertilizer does not work twice as well. In fact, it can burn plant roots while increasing the odds of polluting our lakes and rivers.
- Choose phosphorous-free fertilizers for lawns. Fertilizers containing phosphorous have been banned from use on residential lawns in Minnesota, unless the soil has been tested and found to be deficient in phosphorous or if a new lawn is being established.
- Read labels and follow application instructions.
- Sweep up fertilizer granules from hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks to keep them out of storm sewers and nearby water.
- Use up your phosphorous-free to avoid disposal and extended storage.
- Identify. Leftover dry, granular fertilizer that does not contain herbicides, pesticides, or insecticides may be placed in the garbage. Liquid fertilizer (or plant food) that does not contain herbicides, pesticides or insecticides may be poured down your sink, if it flows into a sanitary sewer and not a septic system.
- Drop off leftover fertilizer containing weed or insect killers to your county household hazardous waste site. County staff can identify what your fertilizer contains and how to manage it. To find the collection site nearest you, go to the Household Hazardous Waste page.
For more information on proper disposal of unused fertilizers, contact your county.