FAO launches Mini Pilot for safe disposal of hazardous Empty Pesticide Packaging Waste

Saturia, Manikganj – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched a timely and essential Mini Pilot program to address the growing environmental and health risks posed by the improper disposal of empty pesticide packaging waste at the UNO Complex auditorium, Saturia, Manikganj on Tuesday, 25 February 2025. The Pilot focuses on voluntary collection and disposal of Primary Pesticide Packaging Waste (PPPW) initiative which is set to make significant strides in managing hazardous waste produced by the country’s expanding agricultural sector.

With the widespread use of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) and hybrids in Bangladesh’s farming communities, and a shift towards cultivating high-value vegetables and fruits, the demand for pesticides has increased exponentially. With an aim of collecting up to five MT of hazardous pesticide packaging waste over the course of 12 months, and a target of a comprehensive, environmentally friendly disposal system in Saturia, Manikganj the initiative is done under FAO’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh project.

Md. Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary (Development Wing), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh,and Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, graced the event with their presence virtually. The event was chaired by Md. Iqbal Hossain Upazila Executive Officer, Saturia, Manikganj.

Through raising awareness among farmers about safe handling of empty pesticide containers and various training programs, farmers and pesticide dealers will be encouraged to voluntarily collect and store empty pesticide containers at designated collection points. By changing the behavior and practices of farmers and pesticide dealers about safe handling of empty pesticide containers this program will contribute to safeguarding the environment by preventing groundwater contamination, protect wildlife, reduce air pollution, support recycle efforts and maintain the ecosystem balance. This will eventually protect health, family and crops ensuring food safety.

Md. Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary (MoEFCC), emphasized on how important it is for the environment to have a sustainable disposal system for agricultural waste. He stated, “Increasing pesticide use brings the challenge of managing empty pesticide containers. If not handled properly, these containers pose significant risks to human health, the environment, and food safety. We should all work together to protect our environment."

This pilot project is not just about waste disposal; it is about building a foundation for a nationwide system to manage pesticide waste responsibly. The lessons learned from the Mini-Pilot will provide valuable data for the Bangladesh government and industry stakeholders, helping to develop a safe and sustainable model for the entire country.

Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh talked about awareness and knowledge dissemination amongst the farmers and pesticide dealers, he stated, “There is no alternative to raising awareness amongst farmers and pesticide dealers about safe handling of empty pesticide containers. Behavioral change and safe farming practices will contribute to safeguarding the environment eventually.’’

In preparation for the launch, a series of training sessions have been conducted with Sub Assistant Agriculture Officers (SAAOs) and local farmers. Since November 2024, trained DAE officials and FAO personnel have educated over 1,000 farmers on the proper handling and disposal of empty pesticide containers. This training ensures that the farmers are well-equipped to manage pesticide packaging waste safely. The program is also conducting more than 10 courtyard meetings with farmers and pesticide dealers to aware and educate them on safe agricultural practices.

After the official inaugural session, the guests went to visit the awareness activities conducted by FAO. They visited nearby fields and farmers houses where FAO provided safe farming practice equipment’s, pesticide dealer’s shops and attended a farmer’s briefing and courtyard meeting to interact with farmers and pesticide dealers about their experiences from the initiative.

Mini Pilot objectives

• Successful implementation of safe collection, storage, and disposal practices for Empty Pesticide Containers in Saturia, setting an example for other Upazilas across Bangladesh.
• Increased awareness among farmers and pesticide dealers about the risks associated with improper disposal and the importance of participating in the collection system.
• Establishing a solid foundation for expanding the project nationwide, ultimately contributing to the safe and sustainable disposal of hazardous pesticide packaging waste. This initiative is a crucial step toward improving the environmental and health standards in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector. It is expected that, with the cooperation of farmers, government officials, and industry representatives, this pilot will pave the way for broader implementation across the country.

FAO’s commitment to ensure food safety and sustainability

FAO, through its Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh project is working with the Government of Bangladesh to reduce the negative environmental and health impacts of hazardous pesticide use in the country. By addressing the risks posed by empty pesticide packaging waste, the project is contributing to safer agricultural practices and a cleaner environment for the future focusing on the "Four Betters"—Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life.