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1. Are all pesticides now restricted?

Most conventional pesticides, including products labeled herbicide, insecticide, fungicide or combined fertilizer/herbicide products (often referred to as "weed and feed") are now restricted, except:

• Biological pest controls (including nematodes, lady beetles and bacterial pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis [BT]).
• Pesticides listed as Permitted Pesticides (PDF)

2. How do I know if a pesticide is restricted or permitted?

Read the label. Common active ingredients in most conventional pesticides are now restricted under the Bylaw, including:

• 2, 4-D
• Carbaryl
• Dicamba
• Glyphosate
• Malathion
• Mecoprop

However, many safer alternatives are available, effective and exempt from the Bylaw. If the active ingredient of your product is on the Permitted Pesticide list (PDF), it is still allowed by this Bylaw.

3. How can I dispose of pesticides?

Pesticides should never be disposed of through storm sewers or household drains. Pesticides may be taken to the Biggar Bottle Depot at 2577 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam or the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre at 1200 United Boulevard, Coquitlam where they accept, free of charge, consumer pesticides that have both the poisonous (skull and crossbones) symbol and Pest Control Product (PCP) number. Unidentifiable products will not be accepted and returned products must be in clearly marked and tightly sealed containers. Maximum container size is 10 litres. Visit the ProductCare Recycling website for further information.

Unused pesticide products having no labels may be picked-up by a hazardous waste company. Phone the British Columbia Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253 (RECYCLE) or visit the Recycling Council of British Columbia website for more information on companies in your area.

4. Can I use pesticides on Giant Hogweed?

Giant Hogweed poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. If you find Giant Hogweed on your property, it needs to be removed as per the City’s Noxious Weed Bylaw Number 4181, 2010 (PDF). It is best to let a professional remove this plant and to follow Work Safe BC instructions on their safety bulletin and video. The Pesticide Use Control Bylaw (PDF) does not apply to the use of a pesticide in response to a human or animal health issue and the use of pesticides is permitted for the removal of Giant Hogweed.

5. Can I use pesticides to treat the European Chafer Beetle?

The City does not allow the use of pesticides on residential or civic properties to treat the European Chafer Beetle. This includes products such as Merit, Sevin or Arena that contain the active ingredients imidacloprid, clothianidin, or carbaryl. Biological pest control using nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) is the recommended treatment option. Please visit our European Chafer Beetle page for prevention and treatment options.