Garden chemicals are safe to the user and the environment provided that they are stored properly, used according to the label and disposed of correctly.  Responsibility for safe, effective use, storage and disposal lies with the individual user.

	Choose the right product for the problem.  Seek advice from sales staff  or company helplines  if unsure.
	Don't buy more than you need.

Apply products safely

	Always read the label and apply as directed.
	Choose a safe place to mix garden care products such as a level path or drive, away from drains or watercourses.  Do not mix garden products indoors.
	Check whether the label specifies an interval required between spraying and harvesting fruit and vegetables.
	Use good quality, well maintained equipment which does not leak.  Wash equipment out thoroughly before and after application, taking care to dispose of the washings safely. (either on ground not to be used for fruit and vegetables for at least 12 months or onto gravel away from drains or water courses. Herbicides that have a long lasting effect by working in the soil are best disposed on gravel)
	Spray in early morning or late evening when beneficial insects are not foraging.
	Spray when there is little or no wind to avoid spray drifting to other areas.
	Slug pellets should be applied sparingly as directed.
	Keep children and pets away from treated areas until the spray has dried.
	Do not eat, smoke or drink while applying products.

Store garden care products safely

	Store securely, well away from children and pets.
	Store products tightly closed and in their original packaging.
	Store away from extremes of temperature, ie. away from direct sunlight and protected from frost.
	Never store surplus diluted product.

Dispose of garden care products safely

	Avoid disposal problems by only buying and making up the required quantity.
	Before buying more, always check you do not already have a suitable product, and only buy what you can use in a season. Consider buying a ready-to-use product if available, to minimise spray waste.
	Choose an appropriate disposal site to spray surplus diluted product - a gravel path or drive may be suitable - well away from drains, ponds or watercourses, and observe any requirements on the label about precautions relevant to pets and wildlife
	Dispose of product containers safely.  If possible rinse empty containers at least three times, If possible, add the washings to the spray solution, or dispose of them as though they were surplus spray solution.  Dispose of empty containers through normal household waste disposal routes.
	Never put unwanted products down drains, sinks or lavatories, or in water courses.  It is illegal.
	Containers with chemical inside are special household waste and should not be disposed of in the dustbin. Contact your local authority who will be able to advise you of the location of special sites which can accept this kind of waste.

Want to Learn More? - Insect and Pest Problems, Lawn Care, Weed Problems, Fungal Problems.