Safe Storage and Disposal of Lawn and Garden Products Protect Family Well-Being and the Environment

Safe Storage and Disposal of Lawn and Garden Products Protect
Family Well-Being and the Environment 


MARYSVILLE, Ohio, July 28  /PRNewswire/ -- Lawn and garden products are key to
growing and maintaining beautiful lawns, flowerbeds and other landscaping
around homes. When those products are put away for the season, however, their
proper storage and disposal can also contribute meaningfully to a more
beautiful world in other ways.

"Lawn and garden products can be used safely year after year, but their proper
storage is critical," said Chris Schmenk, director of Environmental Stewardship
at Scotts. "It is never appropriate to spill excess product down the drain or
into a storm sewer. It is also important not to allow products to be spilled
onto a hard surface where they can drain out to the driveways or a street.
Proper storage and disposal will keep products where they belong -- on lawns
and in gardens -- and help ensure we keep our water clean and our families
safe."

Safe storage of these products goes hand in hand with using them responsibly. 
It is important to limit unnecessary exposure to people and avoid unwanted
release or runoff of garden products into the environment.  For example,
fertilizer should be stored in tightly sealed bags and kept away from wet or
damp conditions. Similarly, liquid lawn and garden products should be tightly
sealed -- preferably in their original container. This not only makes it less
likely for the products to be spilled, but also less likely to be mistaken for
something that is edible or enticing to children. These products also should be
kept from freezing.

If products have been completely used, it is appropriate to place the empty
package or container in the trash. A partially filled package that will not be
used next year should be taken to a local solid waste disposal agency.

Scotts suggests homeowners adhere to the following "dos and don'ts" for proper
storage and disposal of pesticides:

   - Do keep lawn and garden products in a safe place away from children and
     pets.  Store them above the reach of children, preferably in a locked
     cabinet.
   - Do store chemical-based products above ground in waterproof, airtight
     containers to avoid leaks.
   - Do keep products in their original containers with the label intact to
     avoid confusion and possible ingestion.
   - Do only buy the amount of product needed for one season's use.
     Consider purchasing ready-to-use products versus concentrates to avoid
     having to mix the chemicals and then safely store the leftovers.
   - Do dispose of a small amount of extra product by using it on your lawn
     or garden.  If that option is not available, work with state and local
     agencies (800/CLEAN-UP) to determine chemical disposal options.
   - Do read the instructions on the back of each Scotts' package for
     instructions on proper storage or disposal of the product.  Please
     contact our experts if you have further questions at 800/543-TURF
     or http://www.scotts.com/ .
   - Don't store pesticides near a source of water or a location susceptible
     to flooding.
   - Don't store pesticides near sources of heat, flame or spark.

  Dedicated to a Beautiful World


The Scotts Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products
for lawn and garden care, with a full range of products for professional
horticulture as well.  The Company owns the industry's most recognized brands. 
In the U.S., the Company's Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R) and Ortho(R) brands are
market leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup(R) brand which
is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned
by Monsanto.  In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol(R), Pathclear(R),
Evergreen(R), Levington(R), Miracle-Gro(R), KB(R), Fertiligene(R) and
Substral(R). 

DATASOURCE: The Scotts Company



CONTACT:  Jim King of The Scotts Company, [phone],

or  



Web site:  http://www.scotts.com/ 

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