(1) �All empty pesticide containers shall be triple or power rinsed or

rinsed by equivalent procedures approved by the department except as exempted in (1) �(a) �and (b). Such rinsing shall occur within 48 hours of the time that the container is rendered empty. Containers should be rinsed immediately after being emptied and the rinsate used as diluent in pesticide applications.

(a) �Aerosol containers, fiber drums with liners, paper, fiber and plastic bags, containers designated by label for refilling, water soluble containers and compressed gas cylinders are exempted from this rule. Rinsing instructions on the pesticide container label must be followed.

(b) �Containers from retail pesticides labeled only for home, yard, and garden uses as set forth in ARM 4.10.502 are exempt from this rule. These containers should be rinsed according to the procedures of this rule.

(2) �The following procedures are the standard for triple, power or equivalent rinsing:

(a) �Triple rinse procedures:

(i) �The minimum amount of rinse material for each rinse shall be based upon the container size as specified below:

�

����container size ���������������� amount of rinse material

���� less than 5 gallons ������� 1/4 of the container's volume

���� 5 gallons or more ��������� 1/5 of the container's volume

�

(ii) �The required amount of rinse material shall be added to the pesticide container. The lid or other closure device shall be secured and the container agitated to ensure contact of the rinse material with all inside surfaces.

(iii) �The rinsate shall be poured from the container and the container allowed to drain for 30 seconds.

(iv) �The rinse procedures shall be repeated a second and a third time.

(v) �The rinse procedure shall be repeated until no visible residue is present.

(b) �Power rinse procedures:

(i) �The minimum amount of rinse material shall be 1/2 the volume of the container.

(ii) �The minimum pressure of the rinse material shall be 15 pounds per square inch.

(iii) �The nozzle shall be capable of rinsing all inner surfaces of the container.

(iv) �Rinsing shall continue until no visible residues are present.

(v) �The container shall be drained for 30 seconds.

(c) �Equivalent rinse procedures: Any person may apply for department approval of a procedure for rinsing pesticide containers. The application shall include:

(i) �A narrative description of the procedure.

(ii) �Laboratory analytical results that demonstrate that removal of residues is as effective as triple rinsing or power rinsing.

(iii) �Documentation that the analytical methods are scientifically acceptable and results are statistically valid. This may include submittal of quality assurance/quality control documentation, policy and practices.

(iv) �Information and data that illustrate that pesticide exposure to persons conducting the procedure is not greater than exposure from triple or power rinsing procedures.

(v) �Information and data that illustrate that adverse effects to the environment are not greater than from triple or power rinsing procedures.

(vi) �The department may deny or approve the request based upon the information from the applicant and from data and information from other sources. The department may also withdraw its approval should further information reveal that the procedure is not equivalent to accepted procedures, pesticide exposure is greater than previously believed or adverse environmental problems result.