Reverse logistics of pesticide packages in Arapiraca, Alagoas – Brazil

Arapiraca is the municipality of Alagoas with the largest number of cases of poisoning by pesticides, not only due to direct contact with the product, but due to inappropriate disposal of packaging. This research aimed to diagnose the reverse logistics of pesticide packaging in Arapiraca/AL at eight pesticide dealers, 31 family farmers, technicians responsible for ADRAAL, ADEAL and State Public Ministry, through interviews, using semi-structured questionnaires. Although the dealers provided information on the management of empty pesticide packages (87.5%), 71.4% of farmers did not return it, burying or burning it most of the time (59.6%). When returned, the presence of waste was the main problem cited by dealers. A total of 2,341 units and 1,482 kg of packages were picked by the itinerant service performed by ADRAAL in 2018. ADEAL has a staff limited to 10 workers and lacks a computerized system to control and monitor the use of pesticides. In the 15 inspections in 2017, irregularities were observed in 91.7% of dealers, with the absence of environmental licensing being the most frequently observed infraction. The results show deficiencies regarding the fulfillment of responsibilities by the actors involved in the reverse logistics process: the dealers, the farmers and the government.