Due to the adverse health effects associated with exposure to dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), commonly known as Dacthal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order immediately suspending all registrations of the pesticide, meaning a total ban on all sales and use of Dacthal.

Dacthal is a pesticide that was previously approved for use in both agricultural and non-agricultural applications but was primarily used by the specialty crop industry to produce crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, seeded melons (cantaloupe, watermelons), cucumbers, squash (summer and winter), garlic, onions, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and strawberries. 

So what do you do with product you still have, but nobody can legally use? Illinois Department of Agriculture conducts an annual Pesticide Clean Sweep Program and is probably the best method for legally disposing of unwanted pesticides at no cost to you. The window unfortunately has already closed for the 2024 Pesticide Clean Sweep Program, so hold onto what Dacthal you have and check back regularly with Illinois Department of Agriculture for their announcement of the 2025 locations.