1. At time of purchase, date all containers with month and year of purchase. Label with name or initials.
   
   
2. Check all containers for signs of rusting, leaking, gas buildup, loose or missing labels, etc. Treat any deficiencies immediately.
   
   
3. Be sure all stored pesticides are elevated above the floor, on shelves or pallets.
   
   
4. Manage carryover materials to optimize shelf life where possible.
   
   
   1. Keep all containers tightly closed.
      
      
   2. Open packaging with a sharp knife.
      
      
   3. Re-seal packaging with tape and staples.
      
      
   4. Maintain the label.
      
      
5. Discard materials that are past shelf life. Ask yourself: Would I really use this for an experiment or would I need fresh materials? Shelf life is a function of the chemical, the formulation, storage conditions such as temperature and humidity, and the number of times the container has been opened. To obtain a shelf life estimate for a particular product check the label for any advice. If necessary, call the manufacturer and request the needed information. Manufacturerís phone numbers can be found in the Farm Chemicals Handbook (Meister Publishing Company, 1999). This publication also has a good general section on shelf life.
   
   
   1. Request pickup by Environmental Health and Safety [EH&S; (607-255-8200)] for materials with known identity.
      
      
   2. Experimental materials in excess of use must be returned to the manufacturer (by College policy). An agreement for return and the return method should be established at the time of receipt of all experimental materials.
      
      
   3. Unknowns may sometimes be identified for disposal. Call EH&S (607-255-8200) for more information about identifying unknowns. The process takes time, often months, and you must make arrangements to store the original securely after sampling. Unknowns cannot be removed from user storage until they are identified. Numbered compounds are often not identifiable because there is no mass spectrum on file if the product did not acquire registration. This is one reason why it is important to return unused material to the manufacturer as soon as an experiment is completed.
      
      
6. Recycle unopened, unused materials with useful shelf life by recorded transfer to a certified applicator employed by Cornell.
   
   
7. Inventory materials that are not to be disposed at this time and provide the farm manager with a copy or annual update. The farm manager or pesticide storage facility manager is required to provide an inventory to fire emergency response personnel. The material name and quantity are the most important information for this purpose.
   

¹ Farm Chemicals Handbook Meister Publishing Company. 2003. 440-942-2000