Ukrainian Farmers Required to Pay for Plastic Containers from Pesticides

Starting in 2026, Ukraine has fundamentally changed its approach to handling plastic containers from pesticides: now each canister has an individual “digital trace,” and the absence of a report on its return entails financial responsibility for farmers.

This is reported by AgroReview

The Cost of Disposal is Already Included in the Price of the Product

Ukraine has officially implemented the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR), which requires the costs of collecting and recycling plastic containers to be included in the price of every liter of plant protection products. However, simply paying for disposal at the time of purchase is not enough — from now on, farmers are obligated to physically return used containers to licensed operators.

This has posed a serious challenge for many agricultural enterprises. Previously, empty canisters were often used for the illegal bottling of counterfeit products, harming both brands and the farmers themselves. Experts are confident that the new strict accounting system will significantly reduce the market for counterfeit plant protection products, as clean plastic is now monitored from production to disposal through pyrolysis.

QR Codes, Electronic Accounting, and Impact on State Support

Each canister now has a unique code that is recorded in a digital accounting system. When purchasing herbicides or other products, the farmer automatically assumes the obligation to return the corresponding amount of used containers.

“In 2026, the presence of reports on the return of containers became a mandatory condition for receiving state subsidies, preferential loans at 5-7-9%, and even product certification for export,” emphasize auditing specialists.

Banks and other financial institutions check compliance with environmental requirements alongside financial reporting — the absence of reports on the return of canisters deprives the farmer of the opportunity to receive funding or support for the next season.

The Three Washes Technology: Savings and Ecology

To avoid fines for residues in containers, experts recommend adhering to the “three washes” technology. Modern sprayers are already equipped with special nozzles that allow canisters to be rinsed under pressure during the preparation of the working solution. This way, it is possible to return up to 2-3% of the active substance that usually remains on the walls of the container back into the tank.

Large agribusinesses note that proper rinsing of containers can save thousands of dollars just on residues of expensive products. Thus, environmental requirements become an element of economical and responsible production.

Ukraine is confidently moving towards European standards for handling hazardous waste, where farmers are encouraged to use both chemical products and plastic containers as efficiently as possible.