Mauro, McCormick Bill to Benefit Farmers and Ranchers Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to make pesticide disposal and recycling easier and more affordable for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. HB26-1111 passed committee by a vote of 10-3.

“Colorado’s farmers and ranchers are good stewards of our environment, and this bill saves them money and time on proper pesticide disposal,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “There’s a farmer in my district who has held on to used pesticides for decades because there aren’t safe, easy disposal options. This bill would create a new program that brings safe, convenient and low-cost pesticide disposal to our communities. HB26-1111 is good for our agriculture industry, and I am proud to sponsor this bill.” 

“With this bill, we’re saving our farmers and ranchers money and protecting our environment,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Without access to pesticide disposal programs, we risk contaminating our groundwater and soil. This bill brings safe, affordable pesticide disposal to our farmers and ranchers. We’re taking steps to make it easier for our farmers and ranchers to do business in Colorado, and this bill supports our ag community.” 

HB26-1111 would offer farmers a new option to dispose of used or unwanted pesticides and containers, and safely dispose of chemicals and recycle containers. This bill would create the Pesticide Product Disposal and Container Recycling Enterprise housed in the Department of Agriculture (CDA). This bill targets large quantities of pesticides used by farmers and ranchers by creating an affordable method for pesticide disposal. 

Pesticide disposal and recycling facilities in Colorado are limited, dispersed, inconvenient and expensive for farmers and ranchers. Without access to pesticide disposal and recycling services, harmful chemicals often accumulate, which increases the risk of improper disposal or leaks that could contaminate Colorado’s soil and water. Beginning in 2027, HB26-1111 would create a new program that provides relief to our farmers and ranchers and protects our environment.