2008 PRESS RELEASES
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November 5, 2008
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY OFFICIALS RECOGNIZED
Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686
On October 8, 2008, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board recognized Rockingham County officials for their outstanding participation in the pesticide container recycling program during 2007. Amber Vallotton, Extension Agent, and Linda Zirkle, Recycling Coordinator, Department of Public Works, Rockingham County, received the award for their cooperative efforts to raise public awareness and to provide an opportunity for local farmers to dispose of used plastic pesticide containers in a manner that does not threaten the environment and that promotes resource conservation.
To encourage countywide participation, Vallotton and Zirkle mailed 1,700 color brochures to potential participants. The brochure announced the availability of the program, touted its benefits, and gave instructions for participation and the proper method for triple rinsing. Containers were collected by appointment only and inspected by one of nine trained container inspectors. This county also provided on-site assistance during the granulation process.
In addition to the collection and granulation of containers, Rockingham County served as a test site for an existing technology that could lend itself to the plastic pesticide container recycling program. Working with the Ag Container Recycling Council, Rockingham hosted a baler that is normally used to bale tires. The test offered the opportunity for the Council to see the benefits and limitations of baling containers ranging from 1 gallon to 55 gallon drums and its applicability in the future. The baling demonstration yielded both qualitative and quantitative data.
This was the tenth year for the recognition program. In addition to Container Recycling, the Pesticide Control Board recognized participants in the Pesticide Disposal Program and in Pesticide Safety Education Programs. Extension agents or district directors, Virginia Tech Pesticide Program personnel, or Office of Pesticide Services investigators interested in nominating someone for a 2008 – 2009 award should contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Pesticide Services at 804.371.6558.