Final answer:
It is false that empty pesticide containers can be disposed of in public trash if they are in plastic bags. These containers need special handling to prevent environmental and health hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that empty pesticide containers can be disposed of in public trash collection if the containers are enclosed in plastic bags is false. These containers often contain hazardous residues and require special handling. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), empty pesticide containers should be handled following specific guidelines to prevent contamination of the environment and harm to human and animal health.
Proper disposal typically includes triple or pressure rinsing the containers and returning them to a pesticide dealer or a community hazardous waste collection program. Simply placing them in plastic bags and disposing of them with regular trash is not considered safe or environmentally friendly. When disposing of pesticide containers, it is crucial to follow local regulations and disposal instructions that are often provided on the product label itself.