Ontario’s cosmetic pesticides ban takes effect April 22, 2009.

The ban protects Ontario families and children from the unnecessary risks of cosmetic pesticides by only allowing the use of certain lower-risk pesticides for controlling weeds and pests in lawns and gardens.

The ban prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards, and includes many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Over 250 products will be banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients will be banned for cosmetic uses.
         
There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or controlling poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Other exceptions include agriculture and forestry.

The ban takes the place of existing municipal pesticide bylaws, establishing one clear set of easy-to-understand rules, and providing certainty for businesses operating in different areas of the province.

“We have fulfilled our commitment to ban the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides in Ontario. I'm proud to say that, when the ban takes effect on Earth Day, we will have eliminated this unnecessary risk to our environment, our families, and especially our children," said John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment, in a press release.

WHAT RETAILERS NEED TO KNOW

• Ontario’s pesticide rules are outlined in the Pesticides Act and Ontario Regulation 63/09.

• Click here to read regulatory requirements for garden centre retailers.

• Visit the Ministry of Environment's website for tips on how consumers can maintain pesticide-free lawns and gardens.

• Visit our blog here and here to get a perspective from other retailers.
  

How are you preparing for this pesticide ban? Are you concerned that the ban will it affect your business? E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to share your comments.