Pesticides are widely used in Malaysia to control pests, diseases, and weeds, particularly in major crops such as rice, oil palm, cocoa, and rubber. Their use is essential for maintaining high agricultural productivity and meeting national food security goals, as without pesticides, crop losses could be substantial. Additionally, the farm sector, supported by pesticide use, makes a significant contribution to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and rural livelihoods. Pesticides help ensure stable incomes for farmers by reducing crop losses and improving product quality. In weed and pest management, herbicides account for the majority of pesticide use in Malaysia, where weed management is a significant challenge. Meanwhile, insecticides are also crucial for managing insect pests that threaten crop yields.

The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture results in a significant generation of empty pesticide containers (EPCs), primarily made of plastic. Improper disposal of EPC poses environmental and health risks, making its management a growing concern in many agricultural regions. For Malaysia, specific figures for EPCs are scarce; international studies estimate EPC generation rates between 0.97 kg/ha and 4.36 kg/ha/year, depending on crop type and farming intensity. Given Malaysia’s extensive use of pesticides in major crops, the total EPC waste is likely substantial. These containers often retain pesticide residues, making them hazardous if not properly managed and disposed of. The risk is heightened when bottles are reused or disposed of improperly, leading to environmental contamination.

Studies among Malaysian farmers reveal three primary methods for disposing of empty pesticide containers:

i) Throwing in the field - The most frequent practice, with nearly half of surveyed farmers discarding bottles directly onto their land.
ii) Burning - A significant portion of farmers collect and burn the containers.
iii) Burying - Some farmers bury the containers in the ground, though this is a less common practice.

It can be concluded that awareness of proper procedures and management for EPC disposal is generally low. Most farmers use burning or burying, which are considered safer than open dumping, but still not ideal practices. The majority of EPCs are disposed of in storage bins together with municipal solid waste or directly into the environment, often due to limited knowledge or a lack of access to proper disposal facilities.

Research among Malaysian farmers reveals that knowledge about safe pesticide waste management remains low. Although many farmers understand that pesticides can harm their health and the environment, they often lack awareness of the correct ways to dispose of empty pesticide containers.

A study conducted among farmers in Pulau Pinang by Siti Hajar Sabran and Azlan Abas (2021) found:

i) Only 42.2% of respondents were aware of official pesticide handling guidelines.
ii) Even fewer knew the correct procedures for rinsing, collecting, or disposing of used pesticide containers.
iii) Many farmers were not aware that residues left inside the bottles are hazardous, even in small amounts.

This knowledge gap may be due to limited access to information and a lack of regular training. Most farmers rely on informal sources such as co-workers or friends, rather than agricultural officers, suppliers, or official channels.

Several factors have been found to influence farmers’ understanding of proper pesticide waste management:

i) Education level - Farmers with higher education tend to have better awareness of safe disposal practices (Oshingbade et al., 2025);

ii) Experience and field size - Those with more years of farming experience or larger areas of land often show sa lightly better understanding (Ding et al., 2025)

iii) Access to information - Farmers who receive guidance from agricultural extension officers or participate in training programs tend to adopt safer practices (Bondori et al., 2019)

Improving awareness among farmers is crucial to reducing pesticide waste problems in Malaysia. Authorities such as the Department of Agriculture can play a key role by:

i) Organising training and awareness programs on pesticide waste management.
ii) Providing collection facilities, such as designated cages for pesticide bottles.
iii) Promoting the practice of triple-rinsing containers before disposal.
iv) Offering incentives for farmers who follow safe management guidelines.

Farmers themselves can also contribute by sharing knowledge, adopting safer disposal habits, and encouraging others in their communities to do the same.

In conclusion, proper management of empty pesticide containers is not only about protecting the environment, but it is also about safeguarding farmers’ health and ensuring the sustainability of Malaysia’s agriculture. With stronger awareness, proper facilities, and collective responsibility, Malaysia can move closer to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable farming system for future generations.
 

Bondori, A., Bagheri, A., Allahyari, M. S., & Damalas, C. A. (2019). Pesticide waste disposal among farmers of the Moghan region of Iran: current trends and determinants of behaviour. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 191(1), 30.

Ding, J., Song, K., Zhang, K., & Deng, X. (2025). Impact of farm size on farmers’ recycling of pesticide packaging waste: Evidence from rural China. Land, 14(3), 465.

Oshingbade, O. S., Moda, H. M., Akinsete, S. J., Adejumo, M., & Hassan, N. (2025). Determinants of Safe Pesticide Handling and Application Among Rural Farmers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(2), 211.

Siti Hajar Sabran & Azlan Abas (2021). Knowledge and awareness of the risks of pesticide use among farmers in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Sage Open, 11(4), 21582440211064894.