Background Agricultural activity in the Mediterranean area has always been a very important economical sector. In the last decade its role it has significantly increased with the expansion of greenhouses and intensive agriculture procedures. Associated problems are heavily threatening and pressing the environment; those derived from the wide use of pesticides are particularly important. Among the problems referred to the extensive use of pesticides, which are needed in quantities that are about 200 times higher than with conventional agriculture procedures, has become a hot topic in the last years as, in addition to other problems, their extensive use may be reflected in the contamination of groundwater. Another important problem is the environmental damage caused by the large amount of empty pesticide bottles generated. Objectives A combination of six project objectives will address the general objective, namely: • Definition and establishment of the logistical mechanisms for the selective collection and transportation of used plastic pesticide bottles from the agricultural greenhouses. • Definition of the specifications of the plastic recycling processes and the plant. • Integration of a Solar Detoxification plant in the overall treatment and recycling process. • Construction of pilot decontamination plant for full process testing and assessment. • Construction, operation and assessment of the overall integrated decontamination/recycling plant on an industrial scale. • Procurement of the collaboration and support for the initiative from farmers and environmental authorities. Results The project has achieved the objectives outlined above: to set up a selective system to collect used plastic pesticide bottles, recycle them and treat the residual water of the process by means of oxidation driven by solar energy. From the industrial point of view, the opportunities for extending this new technology in the Mediterranean area appear very promising indeed.