Supporting biodiversity - How to safely use chemicals on your Allotment site
06/23/2024
Chemical use on allotments can be very effective, however they can also be a hazard. They have the potential to cause harm to staff/volunteers, plot holders and the surrounding environment.
“Excessive use and misuse of pesticides result in contamination of surrounding soil and water sources, causing loss of biodiversity” - UN Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food.
So, if you do decide to use chemicals, it is important to handle them with care - from purchase and use, all the way through to disposal.
Chemicals should be used as a last resort, with other methods being your first line of defence. The Royal Horticultural Society offer a wide range of guidance and measures for organic gardening and non-chemical pest & disease control:
- - Organic gardening / RHS Gardening
- - Controlling pests and diseases without chemicals / RHS Gardening
Purchasing products to control pests and disease on your allotment
Pesticides that are readily available in hardware stores or garden centres, are of generally lower risk and therefore approved for use by home gardeners, allotments, and members of the public without specialised qualifications or certifications.
Most commercial or industrial pesticides are unsuitable for home gardeners and allotment management as they need specialist protective equipment & clothing. Any misuse can have serious consequences to the user, people or animals eating the grown-produce, local biodiversity and the environment.
These products can however be used by professionals who can meet the requirements for use.
What to consider before choosing your pest/disease control product
- Consider non-chemical alternatives
- Chemicals that are approved for use by home gardeners, should be ok on allotment grounds.
- Before purchasing pesticides, check the product is effective in controlling the individual pest, disease or weed you want to remove
- Don’t stockpile, pesticides have an expiry date so only buy what you need
- Look out for options labelled as ‘safe for wildlife and pollinators’
- Consider the timing during the day as certain times may have higher or lower activity of pollinators.
- Attempt to apply treatments when there is the least exposure to others in the area, such as avoiding busy times.
- Remember to take into account the timing of application. For instance:
- - Do not apply if there is a prediction of rain because it may decrease effectiveness and lead to the product ending up in unwanted places due to runoff.
- - Alternatively, if it is windy, any spray applications may drift to different areas.
Storing gardening chemicals safely
- Store pesticides in a cool, frost-free location, avoiding direct sunlight where liquids may evaporate, or product labels become bleached
- Chemicals should always be kept out of reach of children and pets
- If possible, the chemicals should be kept in a locked/secure location, clearly labelled where they cannot be used/misused by plot holders or members of the public.
- Powders/granule/dust form chemicals should always be stored above liquids, as this reduces the chance of liquid leaking onto soluble materials and causing chemical reactions
- Store chemicals off the ground to avoid damage to containers from rodents or accidents.
- Separate fertilisers and other items should be stored separately from pesticides to avoid accidental misuse/contamination
- Although concentrates will store for two years or more if kept in cool, dark conditions, ready-to-use sprays are potentially more economical for smaller areas and don’t require mixing which reduces the risk to users .
- Make sure the area is clear of ignition sources, as some chemicals can be highly flammable, or release toxins if burnt.
- Never decant pesticides into other containers as the product label holds important information about its active ingredient/s, registration numbers, method of application, dosage rate, and most importantly the problem it combats. This information is also crucial to the emergency services should any accidents occur.
- If there is a spill, consider methods to contain the product and prevent further environmental contamination e.g. bunding, using leak and spill-proof containers. And have some disposable absorbent material, protective gloves and safety goggles to hand.
Disposing of chemical garden products
If you choose to apply garden chemicals at your allotment site, you should also consider how you will dispose of excess chemicals and their containers.
Empty Containers
If you have used concentrated pesticide or weedkiller products that require dilution before use, it is recommended to rinse the empty containers three times and add the washings to the final spray solution.
After that, you can dispose of the empty container in general household waste (not recycling). On the other hand, if you have used Ready-to-Use products, you can now recycle the empty containers.
Disposing of surplus chemicals
It is important to never dispose of excess pesticide or weedkiller by pouring it down drains or into watercourses. In cases where disposal cannot be avoided, small amounts should be diluted and sprayed onto permitted plants as instructed on the label, while taking care to avoid ponds, watercourses, and ditches. It is also essential to follow label recommendations to prevent harm to wildlife.
Withdrawn or expired chemicals
Due to the recent withdrawal of many garden chemicals, you may still have pesticides that are no longer legally allowed to be used. Typically, when pesticides are withdrawn from the market for economic reasons, there is a two-year grace period to use up any remaining stocks. For information on which products are withdrawn or approved, you can visit the Health and Safety Executive website.
For the disposal of larger quantities of expired, surplus, or withdrawn pesticides, it is best to contact the waste disposal team of your local authority. They can provide advice on which household sites accept chemical waste. You can find the nearest local authority chemical disposal facility on the Crop Protection Association website.
When taking surplus, withdrawn, or expired chemicals to a waste disposal facility, make sure to securely seal the containers and clearly label them with the product’s name and active ingredient. Avoid mixing different chemicals. If you come across old pesticides or containers without labels, it’s recommended to contact your local authority’s waste disposal section for further assistance.
Record what you use
Keeping records of chemical applications, their effectiveness, and their impact on biodiversity is important for making informed decisions in the future. By evaluating past practices, you can refine your approach and find sustainable solutions that reduce harm to biodiversity. For instance, if repeated chemical applications fail to control pests, alternative methods like introducing beneficial insects or using physical barriers can be explored. Similarly, if herbicides are ineffective against persistent weeds, using mulching techniques or manual weeding could be considered as more sustainable options.
Remember, it's best to address pest issues early on, so by regularly checking for the presence of pests or disease, you could possibly avoid the need for harsh chemical methods.
