Guernsey: Islanders urged not to pour away pesticides

Reuters Pesticides on shop shelfReuters
Guernsey Water suggests using less harmful weed killer alternatives such as a vinegar and dish soap solution.

People in Guernsey are being asked not to pour pesticides and chemicals down the drain.

Islanders are being urged to take them to Longue Hougue household waste centre instead and dispose of them for free.

Guernsey Waste and Guernsey Water have put out a joint plea to raise awareness of the harmful impact of chemicals and pesticides.

Guernsey Water suggests using less harmful weed killer alternatives such as a vinegar and dish soap solution.

Quality risk manager Daffyd Griffiths said: "Pesticide levels usually spike after a bank holiday weekend, as people take the chance to have a spring clean or tackle weeds in the garden.

"Where pesticide levels in streams are too high, Guernsey Water is unable to collect the water which increases the island's vulnerability to drought.

"These chemicals have a harmful impact on our environment and can persist for a long time."

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