Management of empty pesticide containers – An experience from Santa Cruz, Bolivia 2014-16: Gestión de envases vacíos de plaguicidas -una experiencia en Santa Cruz Bolivia

Abstract

The mismanagement of empty containers of pesticides, posing a risk to the environment and the health of people, has motivated the promotion of international policies and guidelines to mitigate the problems. Despite these guidelines the attention to this problem is inadequate in Bolivia. The objective was to study the knowledge and practical management of the containers and to implement a responsible management plan of empty pesticide containers. <br/><br/>METHODS<br/>PLAGBOL implemented the project in 2014—2016 in two municipalities of the Department of Santa Cruz. Integral and participatory processes of information, education, and training were used. A questionnaire study was used to investigate the knowledge and management of the empty pesticide containers. <br/><br/>RESULTS<br/>The authorities and the population responded to the program by taking a critical and active approach to the problem, improved their responsible practices and 5500 kg of empty containers were collected. The cross-sectional study showed that 93% of the empty containers are disposed in vulnerable places, 62% of the population does not know what triple washing is, 60% felt discomfort, headache and/or dissiness while using pesticides and 31% of the empty containers have pesticide residue inside them. <br/>CONCLUSIONS<br/>The study shows a complex situation mainly due to lack of knowledge and clear guidelines. We recommend to document the social, economic and productive characteristics of the region before taking any municipal program action. The key element to sustainable changes is an informed and coordinated participation of all actors. <br/>KEYWORDS<br/>Environmental; pesticide containers ; occupational, health, intoxication<br/><br/>