# Herbicide spill kit: contain a pesticide spill and protect drains

URL: https://leafwrit.com/uk/pesticide-spill-response/
Reviewed: 2026-10-29

**Keep people away from a pesticide spill, protect drains and never hose it away.** Stop further leakage and contain the release when this can be done safely. Use an inert absorbent suitable for the spilled liquid, and keep contaminated material in secure containment for disposal. A **herbicide spill kit** needs to be ready where a container can leak or a filling connection can fail, together with the instructions for the products actually handled there.

## Start with the route to water

Know where the yard gullies, field drains, ditches and nearby watercourses are before mixing begins. Contain the liquid at the source when this can be done safely and protect the receiving drain. Never use a hose to move pesticide off a concrete apron or into a drain.

In England, call the Environment Agency incident hotline immediately when polluting material has entered, or could enter, a watercourse or soak into the ground. This includes a ruptured container, leaking pipe or uncontained spill.

## Stock a pesticide spill kit for the materials present

Provide absorbent granules or sand, a shovel, suitable collection tools and an impermeable container for recovered material. Store the kit where staff can retrieve it during a leak, with an impermeable waste container that holds the contaminated absorbent securely.

Inspect the kit regularly and replenish used items; staff training covers the kit location and how to contain a release without becoming exposed.

## Recover liquid without making another contamination route

For liquid pesticide or spray solution, use inert absorbent to take up the spill. Inert means it does not react chemically with the material; dry sand is one example. Gather the contaminated material into secure containment for disposal.

A drip tray beneath a mixing or loading connection can catch escaping product before it spreads over the filling surface. Prevent leaks and overfilling through maintenance and controlled filling.

Fine hazardous powders need a different recovery assessment from a puddle. Dry brushing can raise airborne dust. The response depends on the properties of the substance, so do not improvise a neutralising chemical.

## Keep hazard information outside the store

A safety data sheet identifies the chemical hazards and provides information on handling, storage and emergency measures. The sheet for the exact preparation includes the supplier's emergency information.

Keep an up-to-date stock record away from the pesticide store. During a leak or fire, nobody should have to enter the store to count containers.

## Use the correct environmental reporting route

For England, the Environment Agency incident hotline is **0800 80 70 60**, available around the clock. The current [GOV.UK environmental reporting page](https://www.gov.uk/report-an-environmental-incident) separates water pollution, land pollution and other problems, and links to the services for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

## Prepare the site before the next load

Keep the spill equipment available at the storage and handling points. Absorbent already used for pesticide recovery needs its own disposal decision.

The [store checklist](/uk/pesticide-store-checklist/) and the [washings and container guide](/uk/sprayer-washings-container-disposal/) cover the connected tasks.

## Drains: surface water, foul sewer and oil separators

Distinguish a gully connected to surface water from a foul sewer. Surface drainage can carry pollutants straight into the environment. An oil separator is designed for oil: it cannot be assumed to remove pesticides, and detergent can interfere with separation.

## Handle the leaking package without losing its identity

Keep people who could be affected away from the release and warn them about the contamination. For a damaged pesticide container, use the protective measures for that product and contain the escaping contents. Where a suitable over-container is used, preserve the pesticide name, hazards and precautions on the outside. Never put pesticide into food or drink packaging.

During transport, shut the valves controlling flow to the applicator and secure tank or hopper covers. Restrain containers against movement and crushing. A sprayer that was sound while parked can still leak across rough ground if it is overfilled.

## Next step

Read about [pesticide storage](/uk/pesticide-store-checklist/), [safety data sheets](/uk/pesticide-sds-folder/) and [washings and containers](/uk/sprayer-washings-container-disposal/).

### What belongs in a herbicide spill kit?

Provide suitable inert absorbent, collection tools and an impermeable waste container. Match protective equipment and containment to the actual chemicals and site.

### Can I hose down a pesticide spill?

No. Contain the spill and keep it away from drains, ditches and watercourses. Hosing spreads contaminated liquid.

### Where do I report pesticide pollution in England?

Use the Environment Agency incident route. Its incident hotline is 0800 80 70 60. GOV.UK links to separate reporting services for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

### Is a safety data sheet enough to plan the response?

It supplies chemical hazards and handling information. The site plan also needs the drainage routes, containment equipment, emergency contacts and trained people.