What should an applicator do with clothing that has been heavily contaminated?

When clothing has been heavily contaminated with pesticides or other hazardous materials, the most prudent course of action is to dispose of it as hazardous household waste. This is because contaminated clothing can pose significant risks to health and the environment if not handled properly.

Hazardous materials can cling to fabrics and may continue to pose a risk even after washing, as residues may not be completely removed. By disposing of the clothing as hazardous waste, you ensure that it is treated appropriately, minimizing any potential danger to others and preventing contamination of additional items or locations. Safe disposal practices are crucial in pest control, where maintaining safety protocols and environmental protection is a priority.

In contrast, washing contaminated clothing may not eliminate all residues and could lead to unintentional exposure to harmful chemicals. Keeping contaminated clothing for future use introduces ongoing risk, and donating such items could expose others to hazards, making these options less appropriate.