Portage County expands Agricultural Clean Sweep program with flexible drop-off appointments

By Patrick Lynn

PLOVER— Farmers and agricultural landowners in Portage County will have a lot more flexibility to dispose of unwanted farm chemicals this year.

Rather than holding a single collection day, Portage County Solid Waste is now offering Agricultural Clean Sweep appointments from March through November, allowing participants to schedule a drop-off when it works best for them.

The expanded program is funded through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, which helps cover the cost of disposing of hazardous agricultural waste.

The program accepts unwanted, unused, expired or discontinued pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers, along with other agricultural chemicals such as oil-based paint, solvents, degreasers, fuels and teat wash. Mercury-containing items, latex paint and several types of automotive fluids are also accepted, although some disposal fees apply. Antifreeze, motor oil and brake, hydraulic, power steering and transmission fluids in containers of 5 gallons or less can be dropped off free of charge.

Appointments are required, and participants should be prepared to unload their own materials because heavy equipment will not be available on site.

Wisconsin’s Clean Sweep program has helped farmers safely dispose of hazardous agricultural waste for decades, preventing unwanted chemicals from ending up in landfills or contaminating the environment. More than 4 million pounds of hazardous agricultural waste have been collected through the statewide program since it began.

Portage County receives Clean Sweep grant funding every other year, with the next collection cycle scheduled for 2028.

To make an appointment, call Portage County Solid Waste at 715-346-1931 or schedule online at https://www.co.portage.wi.gov/Activities/Activity/Detail/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Appointment-685.