CHEMSWEEP Program Opens for 2026 Collections

During the winter, it's a great time to think about cleaning out our pesticide storages and take inventory. If you have canceled, suspended, or unwanted pesticides, you can schedule disposal through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) CHEMSWEEP Program.

What is CHEMSWEEP?

CHEMSWEEP started in 1993 and collects unwanted or unusable pesticides from Pennsylvania farmers and pesticide applicators. The first 2,000 pounds of pesticides per participant are collected and properly disposed of at no cost. Only products that have been registered for sale or use in Pennsylvania are accepted. CHEMSWEEP is offered in a select number of counties each year and operates on a four-year cycle, except for Chester and Lancaster counties, which follow a two-year cycle.

Who is eligible to participate?

Farmers, pesticide applicators, and pesticide businesses in the years selected counties.

2026: Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Franklin, Jefferson, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Potter, Washington.

Future collections can be found on the CHEMSWEEP Program website.

How can you participate?

First, check to see if your county has been selected to participate this year. If your county is participating, go to the CHEMSWEEP Program website and complete the online form listed under "Public Inventory Submissions." This form opens in December and must be submitted by March 31, 2026. A PDA inspector will verify your inventory and schedule the pesticide collection with a contractor. The contractor will then be responsible for collecting and disposing of the pesticides in accordance with regulations. The contractor and PDA inspector will be present for collection, which typically runs from July to October. CHEMSWEEP covers the first 2,000 pounds per participant. If the amount exceeds 2,000 pounds, the participant pays the contractor directly at the price paid by PDA.