From the 31 March 2004 it will be illegal to use or store certain domestic pesticides. After this date you may continue to store the products for a further 3 months but only whilst arrangements are being made for disposal.

The ban was brought in by the EU review of the active substances in pesticide to ensure that commercially available products continue to meet modern safety standards.

The chemicals subject to the ban are ‘dichlorprop’, ‘dikegulac’, ‘resmethrin’, ‘tar acids’ and ‘2,3,6-TBA’ and their names should appear on all packaging. The products on sale in the shops should no longer contain these active ingredients, even though their names may remain the same, and this might cause some confusion. Our advice is to check the product registration or ‘M’ number. For example:

'ASDA Lawn Feed Weed and Mosskiller' containing dichlorprop (M10871) has been withdrawn, but has been replaced by 'ASDA Lawn Feed Weed and Mosskiller' containing dichlorprop-p (M10968).

The name remains the same but the active ingredient and the registration number are different.

To ensure you properly identify products that have been withdrawn you should use the registration number rather then rely on the product name.

The full list of products subject to the ban can be found in the list below, and on the web site www.pesticides.gov.uk

Full list of banned pesticides

If you find any product in your shed, greenhouse or garage that you think may be subject to the ban, follow the guidelines below:

Don't:
• Flush it down the loo
• Throw it in the bin
• Throw it down the drain

Do:
• Wear gloves and any other recommended safety gear when handling pesticide containers
• Follow the manufacturers instructions if you spill any of the products
• Telephone the Essex County Council waste management helpline on 01245 491 222, who may be able to arrange a free collection under their ‘Household hazardous waste collection scheme’. This is a free service for qualifying substances, and collection should be arranged within 28 days of contacting the service