Using pesticides and fertilizers

Before you use pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn, consider giving Natural Yard Care a try instead. You'll keep your lawn, garden, kids, pets, and wildlife safer by skipping the chemicals.

What the law says

Here's what Bothell Municipal Code 18.04.260 says about allowing pesticides and fertilizers to go down the storm drains:

"It shall be prohibited and in violation of this chapter for any person or entity to: 

A. Throw, drain, or otherwise discharge, cause or allow others under its control to throw, drain or otherwise discharge into the municipal storm drain system and/or surface and ground waters any materials other than storm water. Examples of prohibited contaminants include but are not limited to the following:

...13. Pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers."

So what does that mean?

It means you can't let the toxic chemicals from any pesticides and fertilizers you use on your yard and garden make their way into storm drains. Rather than using chemicals, you can find more environmentally-friendly lawncare techniques with Natural Yard Care.

Do you have old pesticides to get rid of?

The pesticides listed below have been canceled or restricted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because of their effects on human health or the environment. If you have products containing these ingredients, don't use them.

  • 2,4,5-T Pesticide Protective Gear
  • Aldrin
  • Clopyralid 
  • Chlordane 
  • Chlorpyrifos 
  • Diazinon 
  • DDT 
  • Dieldrin 
  • Heptachlor 
  • Kepone 
  • Lead arsenate 
  • Lindane 
  • Mirex 
  • Silvex 
  • Toxaphene 

How to dispose of pesticides

Unwanted lawn and garden chemicals can be harmful if not disposed of properly. Never place unused or partially used pesticides in the garbage or down the drain. Some older pesticide labels say that these products can be disposed of in the trash, but this is no longer allowable, and newer labels no longer suggest it.

Instead, take pesticides to a hazardous waste disposal site like the Wastemobile.