Laws & Regulations
This page provides resources on pesticide laws regulations that are carried out by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), including: the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act, the Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS), Official record-keeping for commercial and private applications, resources for pesticide label search, and pesticide & pesticide container disposal services.
The Pesticide Applicators’ Act
The Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act is the state law regulating the use and application of pesticides. Administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), the Act establishes licensing and certification requirements for commercial and private pesticide applicators. It sets forth qualifications, training, and continuing education standards to ensure the safe and effective use of pesticides.
Additionally, the Act includes provisions for record-keeping, storage, disposal, and enforcement mechanisms to promote compliance and protect public health, agricultural resources, and the environment. By enforcing these regulations, Colorado seeks to balance effective pest management with safety and environmental stewardship.
Worker Protection Standard
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a federal regulation issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from occupational pesticide exposure. In Colorado, the CDA enforces WPS. The regulation applies whenever a pesticide labeled with an “Agricultural Use Requirements” section is used in the production of agricultural plants. EPA’s Quick Reference Guide to the 2015 WPS outlines key revisions to the rule and provides references to the official regulations.
Record-keeping
While not a requirement in Colorado, an important part of your application record should be the proper recording of environmental data associated with a particular application. It’s important to ensure that the data is accurate and defensible.
For more information, see “Application Recordkeeping: Focus on Environmental Conditions“.
Private Applicator Record-keeping
The United States Department of Agriculture requires certified private applicators to keep record of all restricted use pesticide (RUP) applications. Records must be logged within 14 days and kept for two years after the application.
Records are required to include the following:
- Brand or product name
- EPA registration number
- Location of application
- Crop, stored product, commodity, or site treated
- Day, month, and year applied
- Size of area treated (or spot treatment)
- Total amount of pesticide applied
- Name and certification number of applicator
Additional record keeping information to be posted at the Central Location as required by the Federal Worker Protection Standard regulation (WPS) include start/end time of application and length of Restricted Entry Interval (REI). The Pesticide Safety Poster and Safety Data Sheet for all pesticides listed at the Central Location must also be available.
For a single field
For multiple fields
Private Record-keeping Book
Commercial Applicator Record keeping
Licensed Commercial applicators are required to maintain accurate and legible records of each application made for hire. Registered limited commercial and public applicators must keep records of each pesticide application.
Records must include:
- Name/address for whom application was made.
- Location where application was made.
- Target pest.
- Site, crop, commodity, or structure
- Specific pesticide(s) applied.
- EPA registration # for all pesticides applied.
- Dilution rate.
- Application rate in total gallons or pounds of tank mix applied per unit area.
- Carrier, if not water.
- Date & time (within 1/2 hour) of application.
- Name of applicator or technician and the on-site Qualified Supervisor.
- Endangered Species Protection Bulletin for the county and month, if required by the label.
For internal record-keeping, applicators may also want to include:
- Nozzles/spacing/PSI
- Environmental factors
- Start/stop time
- WPS notification
Pesticide Label Search
Pesticide applicators should always keep a copy of the pesticide label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each pesticide they apply to ensure compliance, safety, and quick access to critical information.
The label provides legally required instructions on proper use, safety precautions, and environmental protections, while the SDS details health hazards, first-aid measures, and emergency response procedures. Keeping these documents readily available helps applicators follow best practices, respond effectively to accidents or spills, and meet regulatory requirements during inspections.
Pesticide Labels
Certified pesticide applicators must be familiar with all information on a pesticide label, as it is a legally binding document. The label provides essential details, including:
- Approved uses – how, when, and where the pesticide can be applied
- Hazards to humans and domestic animals
- Environmental hazards and precautions
Applicators MUST have the product label in their possession during an application.
Safety Data Sheets
Each pesticide also has a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which provides detailed safety and hazard information, including:
- Fire and explosion hazards
- Health hazard data
- Reactivity data
- Environmental protection measures
- Emergency procedures for spills or leaks
Pesticide Product Search
To locate pesticide labels, SDS, and registration information, use the following resources:
- CDMS Pesticide Label and SDS Search
- EPA’s Pesticide Label and Product System
- Purdue’s National Pesticide Information Retrieval System*
- CDA Pesticide Product Registrations
*Provides information on pesticides currently or previously registered in the U.S. and state-specific registration contacts.
Pesticide & Pesticide Container Disposal
Pesticide disposal is an important part of your responsibilities as a pesticide user. Unused, unwanted, or banned pesticides are dangerous to keep on your premises. The Colorado Department of Agriculture provides a Google Map to help you locate a site for the disposal of pesticides. The map contains contact information for each county.
When contacting a county be sure to check residency requirements, as well as what types of pesticides are accepted.
For additional questions, contact Rob Wawrzynski at (303) 869-9042 or email
Universal Waste Rule
The Universal Waste Rule (UWR) is a regulation under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that streamlines the management and disposal of certain hazardous wastes, making it easier for businesses and organizations to handle them safely. The UWR applies to specific categories of waste, including:
- batteries,
- pesticides,
- mercury-containing equipment,
- lamps,
- and aerosol cans.
The UWR reduces regulatory burdens by easing requirements for storage, transportation, and labeling while maintaining environmental protections. Generators, transporters, and handlers of universal waste follow less stringent requirements than those managing standard hazardous waste, promoting recycling and proper disposal. However, those that perform final treatment or disposal must typically have a hazardous waste permit. Since states may have additional or more stringent requirements, checking Colorado’s Hazardous Waste Regulations (Part 273) is essential.
Pesticide Waste Disposal
The State of Colorado does not provide a centralized pesticide waste disposal service. However, if you reside in one of the following counties, you can contact your local county program for disposal options. Visit the CDA’s Pesticide Waste Disposal webpage and select your county for more details:
Participating Counties:
- Adams
- Arapahoe
- Boulder
- Broomfield
- Clear Creek
- Denver
- Douglas
- El Paso
- Garfield
- Gilpin
- Grand
- Jefferson
- Lake
- Larimer
- Mesa
- Park
- Pitkin
- San Miguel
- Summit
- Teller
- Weld
If you do not see your county in the above list, you may contact Clean Harbors for more pesticide waste disposal services:
- Website: www.cleanharbors.com
- Phone: 303-371-1100 x264
Pesticide Container Disposal
The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) is a nonprofit organization that facilitates the collection and recycling of one-way rigid HDPE plastic containers used for:
- Agricultural crop protection
- Specialty pest control
- Animal health
- Micronutrient/fertilizer
- Adjuvants
The ACRC accepts HDPE containers up to 55 gallons and may accept shuttles—contact the service provider for details.
The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) is a not-for-profit organization that works to facilitate the collection and recycling of one-way rigid HDPE plastic agricultural crop protection, specialty pest control, animal health, micronutrient/fertilizer, and/or adjuvant product containers. They will accept HDPE containers that are 55 gallons and smaller. They may also be able to accept shuttles but contact the service provider for more information.
ACRC provides information on:
- proper rinsing procedures,
- containers eligibility for recycling,
- and regional contractor contacts for recycling
To find the current contractor for Colorado visit the ACRC service map or directly contact:
Phillips and Sons, LLC
248-961-3360
Stacey Bruinsma or Trevor Harding
pickup@gpsagrecycle.com
www.gpsagrecycle.com