Correct disposal of pesticide packaging strengthens sustainability in the field Reproduction/TEM TV Sustainability in agricultural production goes far beyond crop management. After the application of pesticides, an equally important stage begins: the correct disposal of empty packaging. Provided by law since 2002, the reverse logistics of these containers is essential to avoid soil and water contamination, in addition to protecting the health of workers and animals and contributing to an increasingly responsible production chain. This care begins even before applying the products. At a plant in Novo Horizonte (SP), the preparation of pesticides is carried out by an automated system known as "Smart Calda", which accurately calculates the quantity needed for each area of ??the property. The process reduces waste, increases operational safety and ensures that each field receives exactly the recommended dose. According to agronomist Vinícius Jacob Pires, all planning is carried out before spraying. "A service order is generated informing the quantity of the product, the dose per hectare, the farm, the plot that will be applied and the volume of this pesticide", explains the engineer. After application, the work continues. The packaging goes through triple washing, a mandatory procedure that removes practically all residues from the product. They are then perforated to prevent any reuse and are stored until they are sent to a receiving center. At this plant alone, around 2,500 packages are prepared every month for correct disposal. Every week, identified trucks are transported to the Catanduva (SP) center, where the entire process is registered and checked to guarantee the traceability of the packaging. Environmental specialist Rodrigo Pinheiro Facca explains that there is strict control from the purchase of the pesticide to the final disposal of the packaging. "We do the packing list, inform all the quantities sent, carry out a double check and manage to control everything that was purchased, used and disposed of correctly", says Rodrigo. Shared responsibility Correct disposal of pesticide packaging strengthens sustainability in the field Reproduction/TV TEM The correct disposal of packaging is part of the Campo Limpo System, a national reverse logistics program that establishes responsibilities for everyone involved in the production chain. According to the InpEV central manager, Rafael Vitalino, the producer must return the packaging; and resellers inform the delivery location at the time of sale. The public authorities supervise the entire process, and the manufacturers finance the operation. After arriving at the National Institute for Empty Packaging Processing (InpEV) centers, the containers undergo new screening. The recyclable material goes to partner companies, while that which cannot be reused is sent for environmentally appropriate incineration. According to the manager, recycling already covers most of the packaging received. "Today, around 93% of our portfolio is cardboard and plastic; they become cardboard packaging again. We also have cardboard barrels that are later used to store materials unsuitable for incineration. And, on the plastic side, we have a large portfolio of material, from conduits and gallons to PVC pipes", he explains. In practice, the system is already part of the routine of many rural producers. At the end of each harvest, livestock farmer Thomas Arias Rocco organizes the packaging used and returns it to the reception center, even bearing the transportation costs. For him, the investment is worth it because it strengthens the sustainable image of Brazilian agribusiness. "Today the environmental aspect is one of the main pillars of agribusiness. The more environmentally correct processes we adopt, the more security we have so that the entire sector continues to evolve in a sustainable way", he explains. Those who do not dispose of packaging properly may receive fines ranging from R$384 to R$96 thousand, in addition to other sanctions provided for by law. Producers can return them to the centers in Paraguaçu Paulista, São Manuel, Taquarituba and Piedade (SP). Scheduling can be done through the Campo Limpo System. See the report shown on the program on 07/05/2026: Correct disposal of pesticide packaging strengthens sustainability in the field VIDEOS: see the reports from Nosso Campo Access + TV TEM | Programming | Videos | Social networks Check out the latest news from Nosso Campo