Title
a. Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Clara Counties to hold a Central Coast Pesticide Disposal Event;
b. Execute a temporary event agreement with Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority to host a Pesticide Disposal Event at Crazy Horse Landfill;
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, San Benito County Department of Agriculture, and Santa Clara County Division of Agriculture to hold a Central Coast Pesticide Disposal Event for the public;
b. Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner or their designee to execute a temporary event agreement with Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority;
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, in partnership with San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties, is planning a no-cost to the public Pesticide Collection and Disposal Event on April 28-29, 2026, at the Crazy Horse Landfill. This event will provide agricultural and commercial operators (excluding household users) with the opportunity to safely and legally dispose of unwanted, banned, or legacy pesticides at no cost.
Events of this nature can remove thousands of pounds of hazardous chemicals from participating counties, significantly reducing risks to human health and the environment. This effort helps protect local communities, supports sustainability efforts on farms by removing unwanted pesticide materials and reduces risk associated with storing these materials. Additionally, the event supports agricultural producers in maintaining compliance with pesticide regulations by offering a convenient and cost-effective disposal option.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of County Counsel-Risk Management, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, ACTenviro, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, County of Monterey Environmental Health, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Santa Cruz County, San Benito County, and Santa Clara County.
FINANCING:
The funds are contained in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Approved Budget for FY 2025-2026. There are no changes to appropriations. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has approved and provided a commitment letter to provide reimbursement not to exceed $270,000.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This initiative aligns with the Board’s Safe and Resilient Communities goal by proactively reducing environmental hazards and protecting public health, particularly for agricultural workers and rural communities.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_x__ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Richard Ordonez, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner, x7322
Approved by: Juan Hidalgo, Agricultural Commissioner, x7302
Attachments:
Board Report
Exhibit A - MOU Four County Pesticide Take back Event
Exhibit B - DPR Committal Letter
Exhibit C - Temporary Event Agreement SVSWA