[edit: ANSWERED! Consensus is, don't worry about it. Thanks for all the thoughtful details!]
A friend whose family runs a mainstream nursery gave me some used cell trays (including some deep cell perennial trays). I’m not worried about fertilizer residue, but if neonicotinoid pesticides were used, how hard is that to fully remove? I am washing w/ soap & water & scrub brush. Is that enough? Is that also adequate for possible plant pathogens, or do I need to hit them with bleach or something?
by Rambler_Joe
7 Comments
I really wouldn’t be that concerned about it.
If it bothers you that much don’t use them at all.
I’d be shocked if he used neonics on seedlings, and even if he did they bond to the organics in the soil so would never be present on the plastic in any levels that could harm any insects.
Have you looked into soil blocking? With that method there’s no need for plastic trays at all 🙂
If you’re concerned and can contact the guy you got these from, ask him if he used pesticides and what specific type he used so that you can read the label. The label legally must contain all of this type of information including cleaning procedures for equipment, safety data in case of personal exposure, and environmental regulations. Most likely you can just clean the trays well with soap and water
I highly doubt there’s any residue assuming they’ve been sitting out since at least last spring. Pesticides break down much faster than everyone believes and fertilizer easily washes off. There’s also not much for chemicals to bind to plastic. How they were stored also plays a major role. Most pathogens also need something to bind to or will die within a short period.
I have a small nursery and about 90% or more of my trays and pots are recycled. I’ve never had an issue. All I do is rinse them and let them cook in the sun to dry off.
Seriously?
Doubt any pesticide use. Maybe some anti fungal stuff. Maybe.