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No Thumbnail AvailableBook (stand-alone)Guidelines for the management of small quantities of unwanted and obsolete pesticides 1999Obsolete, unwanted and banned pesticide stocks continue to pose serious environmental and human health problems in developing countries. In rural areas, pesticide waste tends to build up wherever farming and pest control activities are practised, either intensively or extensively. Urban dwellers, particularly in the tropics, are also affected by the pesticide waste and contaminated containers that often pervade their homes. Many people are unaware of the dangers and health risks of pesticides. Accidents, particularly those involving children, are common and often fatal. There is a lack of guidance for people involved in the management or disposal of small quantities of pesticide-related waste, so hazardous chemicals are often left lying around in both rural and urban areas, municipal dumps and even children’s playgrounds. The reuse of contaminated containers for domestic purposes, which is a common practice in many developing areas, is another major health risk.In 1994, a panel of experts from FAO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a set of guidelines for the disposal of bulk quantities of obsolete pesticides. At the same time, the panel recommended that a second set of guidelines be developed for the disposal of small quantities of unusable pesticide stocks, pesticide-related waste and contaminated containers. Since then, the FAO project on prevention and disposal of obsolete stocks, financed by the Government of the Netherlands, has made this one of its main priorities.These guidelines are the result of the Netherlands’ continued support and commitment, which have made possible the initiation and maintenance of a regional project related to the issues and problems of obsolete pesticide stocks. The guidelines do not set out to provide all the information necessary for management and disposal operations, but strict adherence to the principles that they outline will definitely minimize the further accumulation of unwanted pesticides and the subsequent need for disposal. A revised version may be produced in the future, based on technical developments, newly available information and feedback from readers.
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Book (stand-alone)International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management
Guidance on options for reducing risk when phasing out pesticides
2025Also available in:
No results found.Phasing out hazardous pesticides is a critical step toward safeguarding human health, protecting ecosystems, and advancing sustainable agriculture. This FAO/WHO guidance document offers a comprehensive roadmap for governments, regulators, and stakeholders to manage the risks associated with pesticide withdrawal, cancellation, or voluntary removal. Developed under the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, the publication provides actionable strategies for countries, especially low- and middle-income nations—to navigate the complex legal, technical, and social dimensions of pesticide phase-out.Readers will discover practical tools for selecting phase-out options, minimizing negative impacts, and implementing risk communication and reduction plans. The guidance highlights real-world examples from several countries, showcasing diverse approaches to regulatory reform, stakeholder engagement, and disposal of obsolete stocks. It also outlines legal frameworks and international obligations, including the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions, and emphasizes the importance of transparency, enforcement, and financing mechanisms.Whether addressing highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) or managing voluntary withdrawals, this publication equips decision-makers with the knowledge to design effective, science-based phase-out strategies. It promotes integrated pest and vector management, supports the development of safer alternatives, and encourages inclusive dialogue among farmers, industry, civil society, and government institutions.This guidance is essential reading for anyone involved in pesticide regulation, public health, environmental protection, or sustainable development. It is a vital tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a safer future for all. -
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetPesticide management in the Caribbean
Issue brief #20 - June 2019
2020Also available in:
No results found.The Caribbean region had more than 300 tonnes of deteriorating obsolete pesticides stocks which have been safely removed from eleven project countries and disposed of by FAO. This issue brief details those efforts and the impact they are having on building safe food systems in the Caribbean.
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