Agrochemical packaging waste characteristics and disposal practices: Evidence from small-scale off-season durian farmers in southern Thailand

Abstract

Off-season fruit production enhances crop yield to meet market demand; however, it heavily depends on agrochemicals, leading to considerable agrochemical packaging waste that poses environmental risks if not effectively managed. Little is known about agrochemical packaging waste, also known as hazardous waste, which is generated during the off-season. This study examined the generation and disposal of empty agrochemical packaging from durians, a high-value tropical fruit, during the off-season in Thailand, the leading global durian producer. We found that 108 different agrochemicals were used in off-season durian production, resulting in a total wasted agrochemical packaging rate of 0.44 kg farmer⁻¹ y⁻¹. Most of the wasted agrochemical packaging consisted of 1-liter plastic bottles of insecticides, which the World Health Organization classified as class II (highly hazardous) and class III (moderately hazardous) waste. In addition, the majority of agrochemical packages used for off-season durian farming were not properly managed by farmers. Specifically, 32.6 % were disposed of unsafely in the field, while 67.2 % were sold to informal waste collectors without undergoing triple rinsing. Based on these findings, it is essential for all relevant stakeholders, especially agrochemical vendors, to prioritize educating and promoting the safe management of empty agrochemical containers through existing market communication to minimize the environmental health risks associated with improperly handled agrochemical packaging.