Why didn't the City just ban cosmetic pesticides altogether?
There are a few reasons.

• The City does not have the authority to ban the sale of pesticides.
• Pest Management Regulatory Agency (a branch of Health Canada) determines what meets current health and environmental standards. Their primary objective is to prevent unacceptable risks to people and the environment from the use of pesticides. They stress the need for proper application.
• The City practices IPM and uses pesticide application as a last resort treatment option.

Why wasn't the by-law effective for everyone at the date of adoption?
Time was given to enable all to become educated about 1) the by-law, and 2) pesticide alternatives. It also allowed sufficient time for commercial applicators to acquire necessary credentials.

Why is there an exception for fruit trees and vegetable gardens?
There are limits as to what City Council can regulate. It only has the authority over the cosmetic use of pesticides on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf on residential properties.

What are excluded pesticides?
Excluded pesticides are products that residents may still use. Some of the lower-risk pesticides that are on the excluded list are: vinegar (acetic acid), insecticidal soap (fatty acids), and Btk (naturally occurring bacteria). We anticipate additional products will become available (i.e. Sarritor, a naturally occurring fungus that can be spread like granular fertilizers and suppresses growth of dandelions).

What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a method of managing pests.

The five steps of IPM are:

1. Identify
2. Monitor
3. Determine acceptable injury level
4. Treat
5. Evaluate success

There are a number of treatment options that can be explored before resorting to a pesticide application.

What do I do with unused pesticides?
Please do NOT dispose of pesticides in your regular household garbage. Unused 'Domestic' pesticides may be taken to a Paint Plus Depot such as the Mission Flats Landfill. For other local Paint Plus Depots, visit http://www.productcare.org/BC-Depots.

Note:
• The maximum container size is 10 litres.
• Only domestic pesticides labelled with a poison symbol and a "Pest Control Product" registration number (e.g. PCP Reg.#2464) will be accepted.
• There is no charge. www.kamloops.ca/garbage/landfillservices.shtml

If you have a container of something you are not sure about you may take it to a free drop off event on eWaste Day.

For more details on safe disposal download this brochure: Product Care Acceptable Products