Richmond - Virginia has recycled nearly 47,000 pounds of empty plastic pesticide containers this year.

The 2009 tally brings the state's total collections under its recycling program for pesticide containers to more than a million pounds.

The material in the pesticide containers is recycled into new products, including pallets, fence posts, field drain tiles and parking stops.

Virginia's Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program operates in 15 counties and two cities and involved 12 licensed dealers and commercial applicators.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides up to $1,875 in reimbursement costs to each participating locality to offset the cost of the program.