- Donate Old Fertilizer to a Garden Club. If you have a lot of fertilizer on hand, an option is to donate the product to a garden club. ...
- Contact a Waste Management Company. When dealing with large quantities of fertilizers, you might have to rely on a waste management company.
- Set the Fertilizer Outside for Pickup by Waste Management. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of finding a waste management company, there is another option.
- Bring the Fertilizer to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. ...
- Return it to the Retailer. Retailers selling fertilizer are required by law to have proper disposal procedures in place. ...
Can you throw old lawn fertilizer in the trash?
The chemicals in lawn and liquid fertilizer are definitely helpful for grass, but they are considered hazardous waste. Obviously, the trashcan isn’t the best place for old fertilizer. The primary ingredients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
How do I get rid of fertilizer?
The National Environmental hotline, (800)253-2687, can direct you to the nearest hazardous waste collection site in your area. Only dispose of small household quantities of fertilizer in your regular trash.
How do you fix fertilizer burn on grass?
Steps to Fix Fertilizer Burn. 1 Step 1: Assess the Roots. Even if the grass is brittle and brown, it may still be salvageable. Determine its health by digging up a few small patches ... 2 Step 2: Water, Water, and More Water. 3 Step 3: Check the Roots Again. 4 Step 3: Let It Grow.
How do I choose the best fertilizer for my lawn?
Review the seed packet or a reputable gardening book to determine how much fertilizer to apply to fruits and vegetables, and the best time to do it. Check with your local Extension office to determine the prime season to fertilize lawns in your area.
How do you dispose of fertilizer?
Leave liquid fertilizer in its container with the lid on. Wrap it in four or more layers of newspaper, so it is absorbed in the case of a spill. Place the wrapped container inside a sturdy trash bag and tie closed. Place the bagged fertilizer inside your trash can with your regular trash on the day of trash pick-up.
Can you use old lawn fertilizer?
The general answer is no, fertilizer does not go bad if it is properly stored. Fertilizer is made up of a variety of natural minerals and elements that do not break down over time allowing you to store your unused fertilizer from year to year.
Can you use last years lawn fertilizer?
The answer is generally yes. Lawn fertilizer is a combination of the minerals nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These minerals don't break down over time, so you can store lawn fertilizer from year to year without concern that it will lost its effectiveness.
Can you reuse fertilizers?
Fertilizer cannot really be recycled (as in, turned into another usable product). However, it is important to dispose of it safely. In most communities, fertilizer that does not contain pesticides or high levels of phosphorous can be placed in your trash can.
How long is a bag of lawn fertilizer good for?
Liquid chemical fertilizers can last up to ten years, whereas liquid organic fertilizer has a shelf-life of 5-8 years. If you're looking at microbial inoculants, the lifespan is even shorter, lasting two years.
Can I store fertilizer in shed?
Storing Fertilizer in the Garage or Shed If you're storing a small amount of fertilizer, a garage or shed will do just fine. An open bag of fertilizer is going to absorb any moisture from the air.
Does Scotts fertilizer go bad?
Fertilizer doesn't expire, but we recommend keeping it dry and in an airtight container, and using it up within a year to get the best results. The longer the fertilizer sits unused, the more likely it is to become damp and clumpy, which could make it hard to spread.
Does Miracle Gro fertilizer expire?
Answer: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food has a shelf life of about 3 years if kept in a cool dry place.
How do you store fertilizer in bulk?
Store piles of dry bulk fertilizer on an impermeable surface under cover or in a building. Treat dry fertilizer impregnated with a pesticide as a pesticide. Store under cover or protected from rain.
What do you do with fertilizer?
Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. This method gives plants food while you water.
How should I store my lawn fertilizer?
Answer: Store lawn and garden fertilizers in their original bags or containers so you will know the content and analysis of the product next season. Store granular fertilizers in a protected location where they will remain dry. Granular products absorb moisture from the air, causing them to cake up like cement.
How long does granular fertilizer last in soil?
Depending on the product's formula, granular fertilizer can start to be available in several days and last for several weeks in the soil. Usually, granular fertilizer will dissolve within two weeks of application.
How to Dispose of Old Lawn Fertilizer
Lack of ideal storage conditions is often the reason why people want to dispose of fertilizer. It’s not that the fertilizer itself has gone bad. You likely exposed the product to temperatures or moisture that cause it to become hazardous to the environment or unsightly to the landscape.
How to Dispose of Wet Fertilizer
The condition of your fertilizer can determine the best method of disposal. If it’s wet and no longer usable, you will need to dispose of it differently than if it was dry and still good.
How to Dispose of Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer contains biodegradable materials. This means they can naturally break down into their previous state. If your old fertilizer falls into this category, you can safely compost it or leave it on your lawn as mulch.
Where to Dispose of Old Fertilizer
Local community centers and waste management companies will accept old fertilizers for disposal. There may be a fee associated with this, so ask about costs and any restrictions on what types of products they will take before you haul your fertilizer to them.
How to Dispose of Old Lawn Fertilizer (FAQs)
Fertilizer doesn’t go bad as such, as long as you maintain proper storage conditions. If you store it in a cool, dry place, the shelf life will be indefinite. Chemicals don’t deteriorate or decompose.
How long does fertilizer last?
The answer depends on the type of fertilizer in question. Dry fertilizers last indefinitely unless they contain an insecticide or herbicide, in which case they last a mere four years. Liquid fertilizers are viable for up to 10 years.
Does fertilizer go bad?
The general answer is no, fertilizer does not go bad if it is properly stored. Liquid fertilizers can have a shelf life between 8-10 years if stored properly (refer to expiration date on product label or contact the manufacturer for more details since all products vary).
What is fertilizer disposal?
Ingredients Dictate Disposal. By definition, a fertilizer is any substance that, when applied to plants, increases their growth. Fertilizers range from natural, like coffee grounds, to chemical, including products containing nitrogen and phosphate.
Does fertilizer need to be kept away from groundwater?
Chemical Requires Care. If the fertilizer contains nitrogen, it can convert to nitrate, a product you must keep away from your well or groundwater. Similarly, products containing phosphorus are regulated in some states and require careful disposal.
Can you throw organic fertilizer in the compost?
Toss the remainder of organic fertilizer products on the compost pile or in your garbage as long as the fertilizer does not contain nitrogen or phosphorus.
Why is it important to recycle fertilizer?
There are several reasons it is extremely important to recycle fertilizer. By design, many types of fertilizer are high in phosphorous and nitrogen. While that is good for plants, it is not so good for local water sources. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorous can cause algae blooms and other environmental problems in high quantities.
How to avoid throwing away fertilizer?
The best way to avoid throwing away fertilizer is to buy only what you need, or to find alternatives to using it at all. We shared at the beginning that compost is not fertilizer. However, compost and other natural products can go a long way toward meeting the same goals of getting big, healthy plants. Use compost on your garden, and leave your grass clippings on your lawn for a natural fertilizer. You can even use compost to keep houseplants looking great. Fertilizer will be most effective if applied in the correct amounts and at the proper time. Make sure you fertilize in the most efficient manner so you can use as little as possible. Review the seed packet or a reputable gardening book to determine how much fertilizer to apply to fruits and vegetables, and the best time to do it. Check with your local Extension office to determine the prime season to fertilize lawns in your area.
How to get free fertilizer off hands?
If you have fertilizer that you know you are not going to use, you might be able to find someone who can take it off your hands for free. This is a far better alternative than placing it in your trash can or taking it to a HHW facility. Ask neighbors and friends who garden if they need it. If your child’s school has a garden or your local parks department rents community garden plots, see if someone there can put it to use. A nonprofit or church with extensive landscaping might appreciate some free fertilizer. So might your local Master Gardener program.
How to keep houseplants looking good?
Use compost on your garden, and leave your grass clippings on your lawn for a natural fertilizer. You can even use compost to keep houseplants looking great . Fertilizer will be most effective if applied in the correct amounts and at the proper time.
What happens if fertilizer leaks out of a garbage truck?
If your fertilizer leaks out of a garbage truck and into storm drains, you could be contaminating rivers and lakes (for more on the problem of nutrient pollution, check out this helpful website maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Some types of fertilizer contain pesticides, which can be quite toxic.
Is fertilizer toxic?
Some types of fertilizer contain pesticides, which can be quite toxic. You definitely do not want poisons leaching into soil and drinking water. Finally, even if you no longer need your fertilizer, chances are someone else can put it to good use.
Can you buy fertilizer for plants?
You can also buy fertilizers geared toward specific plants and applications. There is rose fertilizer, acid fertilizer for berries, tree fertilizer, fertilizer that contains fish or manure, citrus fertilizer and much more. Fertilizer comes in solid and liquid form. Some also contain pesticides and some do not.
Why do you dissolve fertilizer in water?
Because most fertilizer is designed to be evenly distributed, you can not guarantee to attain the correct particle size just by breaking it into smaller pieces. Instead, I would dissolve the fertilizer in water and dispense the fertilizer as a liquid to assure a more even distribution, eliminating the possibility of fertilizer burn.
Can you put fertilizer in a compost?
Putting it in a compost would add an unknown to the distribution equation, eliminating your control over disbursement.
How to dispose of fertilizer?
Fertilizers cannot be recycled, but you can follow these simple tips for proper disposal: 1 Look for neighbors or friends that might be able to use your leftover fertilizer. This eliminates the need for disposal all together. 2 Keep fertilizer stored in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets until a household hazardous waste facility is located. Keep fertilizer in its original container or bag, and never mix two types of fertilizer together, as this could result in a dangerous chemical reaction. When dealing with liquid fertilizer, it’s helpful to place the container in a plastic bag to prevent the product from leaking on the ground or your skin. 3 Search for a local household hazardous waste facility that accepts fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides on 1-800-RECYCLING.com. If none exists in your area, contact local garden supply stores to see if they will accept your unused fertilizer for proper disposal. 4 When in doubt, always follow the directions on the package!
How to keep fertilizer out of children?
Keep fertilizer stored in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets until a household hazardous waste facility is located. Keep fertilizer in its original container or bag, and never mix two types of fertilizer together, as this could result in a dangerous chemical reaction.
What are the different types of fertilizers?
There are several different kinds of fertilizers now available on the market: traditional chemical fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compounds; organic fertilizers that contain plant matter, animal waste or minerals that make nutrients more readily available in the soil; and biosolids, which are actually treated sewage sludge.
Can fertilizer be recycled?
Fertilizers cannot be recycled, but you can follow these simple tips for proper disposal: Look for neighbors or friends that might be able to use your leftover fertilizer. This eliminates the need for disposal all together.
Is organic fertilizer safe?
Certified organic fertilizers are usually safe for use on lawns and gardens, and pose little environmental risk. Chemical and biosolid fertilizers are considered hazardous waste, and should never be tossed in the trash or down the drain because they can contaminate local water supplies.
How to dispose of fertilizer?
Dispose of fertilizer in the trash if no hazardous waste services are available. Place granular fertilizer in a heavy-duty trash bag, then double bag it in a second trash bag and tie closed. Leave liquid fertilizer in its container with the lid on. Wrap it in four or more layers of newspaper, so it is absorbed in the case of a spill.
Where to put fertilizer in trash?
Place the bagged fertilizer inside your trash can with your regular trash on the day of trash pick-up. If taking your trash to a dump, notify the staff there is fertilizer in your trash.
How to get rid of hazardous waste in my area?
Call your waste management or garbage removal company. Inquire about hazardous waste drop-off locations or pick-up services. If none are available, call your county or local university extension office to inquire if any known hazardous waste disposal programs are in your area.
What chemicals are in fertilizer?
Fertilizers contain high quantities of chemicals including nitrogen and phosphorous and sometimes pesticides or herbicides as well. If you can't use them up for some reason and have no one to give them to, proper disposal is the only remaining option. It isn't as simple as just mixing it in with your other trash.
Can you pour fertilizer down a storm drain?
Never pour fertilizer into a sink or down a storm drain. Sewage treatment facilities cannot treat toxic chemicals.
Can fertilizer be disposed of in the trash?
Only dispose of small household quantities of fertilizer in your regular trash.
Why is fertilizer bad for lawns?
Fertilizing your lawn is necessary to keep your turf lush and fresh looking. While the right amount of fertilizer will leave you with a thick, green lawn, too much fertilizer can turn a good thing bad. Whether it’s by accident or just inexperience, applying too much fertilizer can stress your lawn, resulting in fertilizer burn.
How to get rid of fertilizer burn?
The key to riding your soil of that life-sucking mineral salt causing the fertilizer burn is to flush it out with water. Apply about an inch of water to the affected area daily for at least a week. Remember, to only water the impacted area daily. If you water your entire lawn daily, you could end up with fungus and a whole new set of problems.
What does fertilizer burn mean?
Mild fertilizer burn is when your lawn starts to yellow slightly or has brown streaks through it . When you touch mildly overfertilized grass, it’ll still feel flexible and won’t break when you bend a grass blade. With severe fertilizer burn, the grass ...
What happens if you fertilize too much?
When you apply too much fertilizer, the salts draw moisture from the grass, resulting in discoloration and, in severe cases, death.
How to ensure spreader is applying fertilizer?
To ensure your spreader is applying the right amount of fertilizer, follow its calibration instructions before starting and fertilize at the product’s recommended rate.
How to keep track of where you've fertilized?
You can keep track of where you’ve fertilized by mixing a colorant with your fertilizer. A colorant adds a harmless dye to your fertilizer, temporarily turning the grass a different color in the areas you’ve sprayed fertilizer. Simply avoid fertilizing in the colored areas to prevent overfertilization.
Why is my fertilizer streaking?
When applying liquid fertilizer, it’s easy to lose track of where you did and didn’t fertilize. This is a common cause of overfertilization, as you could overlap an area multiple times without knowing. This overlapping can cause streaking or large brown patches.
