Pesticide Use

On April 22, 2009 the Region of Waterloo Pesticide By-law was repealed and replaced by the Pesticide Act of Ontario.

The provincial ban supersedes local municipal pesticide bylaws to create one clear, transparent and understandable set of rules across the province.

The act lays out the framework for a ban on the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes. Pesticides cannot be used for cosmetic purposes on:

• Lawns
• Vegetable and ornamental gardens
• Patios
• Driveways
• Parks
• School yards

There are little exceptions for pest infestations (insects, fungi or weeds) in these areas, as lower risk pesticides, biopesticides and alternatives to pesticides exist.

There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as:

• Fighting West Nile Virus
• Killing stinging insects like wasps
• Controlling poison ivy or other plants poisonous to the touch

Pesticides with both non-cosmetic uses and cosmetic uses will only be allowed for non-cosmetic purposes. Retailers must notify you of this. For example, the use of a pesticide to control poison ivy cannot be used on patios or driveways to control weeds.

Beautiful healthy lawns are possible without the use of pesticides. Eliminating the use of pesticides will decrease human and environmental exposure and limit potential adverse effects.

To learn more, check out Going Pesticide Free (the web link for Going Pesticide Free is www.ontario.ca/additup) call 1-800-565-4923 or visit the Ministry of the Environment's website.

To find out about collection events or where to find the depot closest to you, visit www.dowhatyoucan.ca, or visit the Region of Waterloo's Waste Services website, or call 519-883-5100 or e-mail customer-service@region.waterloo.on.ca. 

Let's Curb Pesticides! You CAN have a lawn that doesn't depend on pesticides! Find out more by visiting the website. www.letscurbpesticides.ca

Persons inquiring about pesticides or making a complaint are to contact the Ministry of the Environment at:

• Questions or non-compliance reports should be directed to a ministry district office during regular business hours 1-800-668-4557 (Complaint - MOE - Hamilton)
• After business hours call the ministry’s Pollution Hotline at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (1-866-663-8477)