AUGUSTA — It’s not uncommon for new owners of older homes or farms in Maine to discover they have inherited hazardous waste — caches of old pesticides around their property. Old chemicals like DDT, lead arsenate, 2,4,5-T and chlordane are often discovered in barns, basements, sheds or garages. When these discoveries are made, homeowners quickly learn that disposal of old chemicals can be complicated and very expensive.

Fortunately, there’s an option that’s legal, responsible, and free. Contact the Maine Board of Pesticides Control for details. This fall, the state regulatory agency will dispose of banned pesticides or pesticides that have become caked, frozen or otherwise rendered unusable. And, again, there is no cost to homeowners.

“We urge people holding these chemicals to contact us immediately to register,” says Paul Schlein, BPC public education specialist. “There will be four sites throughout the state where participants will be able to bring their obsolete pesticides.”

The collected chemicals go to out-of-state disposal facilities licensed by the US EPA where they are incinerated or reprocessed.

Preregistration is required by Sept. 30. To register, get details, and learn important information about the temporary storage and transportation of obsolete pesticides, go to the BPC website at www.thinkfirstspraylast.org or call the BPC at 287-2731.