Cosmetic Pesticide Ban

Ontario’s pesticide ban takes effect April 22, 2009. This provincial legislation takes the place of any local municipal pesticide bylaw (including Markham’s), so that there is one set of rules across Ontario.

The ban prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards, and includes many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Over 250 products will be banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients will be banned for cosmetic uses.
         
There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or controlling poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Other exceptions include agriculture and forestry.

For more information about Ontario's cosmetic pesticide ban, including details specific to homeowners and industry please visit the Ontario Government's website:
 
or call the Ministry of the Environment's Public Information Centre
Tel: 1-800-565-4923 or 416-325-4000. 

Information courtesy of the Province of Ontario

Tips for Healthy Lawn & Garden

Markham supports eliminating pesticide use and strongly encourages all residents and others to go pesticide-free. Visit our Tips and Resources section for information about natural lawn and garden care.

Dispose of Pesticides Safely

Please do not dispose leftover pesticides in your garbage, down the drain, or down storm sewers. For safe disposal of pesticides, take them to:

York Region Household Hazardous Waste Depot
(located south of Miller Ave. on Rodick Rd*)

* Only household pesticide accepted