Proper rinsing of an empty pesticide container requires which of the following steps?

The recommended method for rinsing an empty pesticide container is to partially fill it with water, shake it, and then drain it. This process is known as triple rinsing, which is a standard practice to ensure that any residual pesticide is thoroughly removed from the container. By adding water, the remaining pesticide inside the container is diluted, and shaking helps to agitate the mixture, allowing the pesticide to be dislodged from the sides of the container. Draining the contents afterward facilitates the removal of any residues, enhancing safety and compliance with disposal regulations.

Other methods such as filling the container with soap and rinsing do not effectively achieve the goal of removing pesticide residues, as soap may not remove all types of pesticides and can leave residues of its own. Washing with a pressure washer may not reach all surfaces inside the container and could lead to incomplete rinsing. Soaking in a chemical solution poses the risk of chemical reactions and is not a standard or safe practice for rinsing pesticide containers. Thus, the combination of partially filling with water, shaking, and draining is the most effective and accepted method for ensuring pesticide residues are thoroughly removed.