A pilot project to study the feasibility of a national empty pesticide container management programme was initiated by CropLife (Mauritius), as part of its product stewardship framework. A pre-project survey indicated that since there was no specific facility for the disposal of hazardous wastes on the island, the farming community had developed disposal practices which were not in line with the provisions of the Environment Protection Act and global goals to save the planet. In order to have a good understanding of all the implications involved in the setting up of a collection and safe disposal programme at national level, it was decided to carry out a study on a representative sample of the different farming groups and in various parts of the island. Four farming regions were selected with different cropping, ownership and management systems. A project plan was prepared and adequate funds were sought. A fulltime team of field staff was hired and progress reports were regularly relayed to a Project Monitoring Committee. Suitable advice and corrective measures were provided to the project leader as and when necessary. The project lasted 30 months and the findings indicated that the project can be expanded in phases to finally be implemented over the whole island. Recommendations, based on lessons learnt during the pilot project, are provided for a successful approach.