A state program that helps people get rid of unusable pesticides is under way this month.

Project Safe Send started in 1992, and about 5,000 North Dakotans have disposed of 1.8 million pounds of pesticides since then, officials said.

Last year, 85 tons of pesticides were collected, the second-largest in the project's history.

The largest collection was in 2002, at more than 95 tons. The 2003 program drew the most participants, at 460. This year, there were 452.

Collections are being held in 16 communities this year.

The pesticides, such as DDT, arsenic and mercury, are shipped out of state to be destroyed.

The program is funded by fees pesticide manufacturers pay to register their products in North Dakota.

-Associated Press