How to Dispose of Old Fertilizer (Including Weed and Feed)

First, read the label

UF/IFAS Extension points out that pesticide labels are legally required to include storage and disposal directions. Fertilizer labels are much less complete. Products like weed and feed combine fertilizer with an herbicide, so handle them as pesticides and follow the label's disposal section. Plain fertilizer (N-P-K only) is less hazardous, but you still shouldn't dump it.

Use it up or give it away

UF/IFAS recommends offering usable product in its original packaging to another gardener, or applying small leftovers to a site the label allows. If it's caked, wet, unlabeled, mixed or contaminated, don't use it or pass it on. Dispose of it instead.

Disposal

Never pour or wash fertilizer into sinks, toilets, storm drains or onto the ground. EPA's household hazardous waste page lists those among improper disposal methods that can pollute water and harm sanitation workers.
Take pesticide-containing products, and fertilizer your local program won't accept as trash, to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. See what counts as household hazardous waste.
Some local programs allow small amounts of dry, plain fertilizer in the trash, sealed. Check your city or county's rules before you do this.

Checked October 2026. Hours, fees, residency rules and accepted items change, sometimes with little notice. Call the site or check its official page before you load up.

Storing it until collection day

Keep it dry, in its original container, away from fuels, solvents and pesticides, and out of reach of children and pets. Don't combine leftover products. Haul containers upright and sealed: hauling sealed containers upright. Related: old pesticides.