Alberta Recycling Pilot for Grain Bags and Baler Twine Extended to August 2023

 

—Extension Includes Additional Ag Plastic Recycling Collection Sites—

LETHBRIDGE, AB (April 28, 2022) – A pilot program enabling farmers in Alberta to recycle grain bags and baler twine has been extended beyond its original three-year limit and has been granted $115,000 in additional funding. Scheduled to end this month (April 2022), the ‘Alberta Ag Plastic. Recycle it!’ recycling pilot will now continue operations until at least the end of August 2023.

“This extension opens doors to expand the program to areas of the province not previously included, broadening opportunities for more farmers to participate in the program by recycling their grain bags and used baler twine,” said Al Kemmere, chair of the multi-stakeholder project lead, the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG). “The long-term goal of the group is to expand the pilot into a permanent program.”

Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development funded the pilot with $1M in 2019 and granted the extension and additional funds.

“Farmers are dedicated stewards of our lands, and this program makes it easier for them to recycle commonly-used items like grain bags and baler twine,” says Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development. “We’ve been so impressed with participation in the pilot program that extending it even further was an easy decision.”

 Participation by farmers who use grain bags has been robust over the three years of the pilot with more than 1,700 tonnes of grain bag plastic recycled. This level of participation has generated valuable data to anticipate collection, transportation and recycling costs for a province-wide, permanent program.

Used baler twine collected for recycling in the ‘Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It!’ pilot. Cleanfarms photo.

“The extension will focus on increasing participation for baler twine recycling,” said Barry Friesen, executive director of Cleanfarms which operates the program. “It will enable us to investigate potential barriers to twine recycling and target education and promotion to encourage farmers to bring back more of this used material.”

To date, about 230 tonnes of baler twine has been recovered in the pilot, which is the equivalent of over 10 semi-trailers, fully loaded.

Farmers can go to AlbertaAgPlastics.ca on the Cleanfarms website to find twine and grain bag collection sites and instructions on how to prepare the material for recycling.

About the APRG

The Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG) formed in 2016 to find solutions for agricultural plastics. The APRG is made up of partners including commodity groups, retailers, municipalities, academic institutions, recyclers, and farmers. The group is now focused on the transition of the pilot into a permanent program as well as exploring solutions for other ag plastics such as bale wrap and silage plastic. aprg.ca

The pilot project is led by the multi-stakeholder Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group; funds were granted by the Government of Alberta and are administered by Alberta Beef Producers.

 

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a national, non-profit industry stewardship organization that designs and develops recycling and disposal solutions for farmers to manage used agricultural plastics and other non-organic ag packaging waste to help keep farms and farm communities clean. cleanfarms.ca

Media Contacts:

Tammy Schwass, APRG                 |  403-835-6467 |  tammy@albertaplasticsrecycling.com
Barbara McConnell, Cleanfarms  |  416-452-2373 |  bmcconnell@cleanfarms.ca

Celebrating Earth Day and Investing in Our Planet: 143M Agri Containers Recycled over 30 Years

Recycled plastic from pesticide and fertilizer jugs are made into valuable agricultural products such as flexible drainage pipe and plastic bags. – Cleanfarms photo

—Farmers Can Start Recycling Empty Pesticide and Fertilizer Containers May 2—

Moose Jaw, SK (April 22, 2022) – Earth Day on April 22 is a reminder that Canadian farmers invest in our planet every year when they return empty pesticide and fertilizer containers for recycling. This year, the recycling program operator, Cleanfarms, is encouraging farmers to celebrate Earth Day all year long by returning even more empty single use jugs than last year.

“And that is no easy challenge,” says Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen, whose organization develops and operates the agricultural “blue box” for farmers.

“In 2021, Canadian farmers returned more than 6.2 million small empty containers, up 12.5% over the year before. Farmers are doing a great job which means we’re closing in on 80% of the containers in the marketplace. But we’re not stopping there. We’re going after 100%,” Friesen says.

Container Collection Sites Open May 2

Cleanfarms, the national stewardship organization that collects empty pesticide and fertilizer jugs to recycle them announced that more than 1,500 recycling collection sites across Canada will open their doors on Monday, May 2 to start accepting empty single use pesticide and fertilizer containers for 2022.

The Cleanfarms’ recycling program keeps these plastic containers, which are a valuable resource material, out of landfill and the environment, and reinvested in the circular economy.

Since the ag plastic container recycling program began more than 30 years ago, Canadian farmers have brought back more than 143.6 million empty containers for recycling.

“We’re challenging Canadian farmers to celebrate Earth Day this year, by bringing back all their ag plastic jugs used in their farm operations,” says Friesen, adding, “and on their behalf, we’ll see that the container plastic is put to good use again as new products.”

Recycled plastic from pesticide and fertilizer jugs are made into valuable agricultural products such as flexible drainage pipe and plastic bags.

Cleanfarms’ research shows that farmers want ag waste management programs that help them operate their farms more sustainably for their families and for future generations.

In addition to empty small plastic containers for pesticides and fertilizers, Cleanfarms’ programs include:

  • a nation-wide recycling program for large non-deposit plastic totes and drums for pesticides and fertilizers
  • recycling programs for grain bags and baler twine,
  • a nation-wide collection and proper disposal program for unwanted pesticides and old, obsolete livestock and equine medications, and
  • a disposal program for seed and pesticide bags and fertilizer bags in Quebec

Cleanfarms also operates pilot projects in partnership with other organizations across Canada including the Dairy Farmers of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP), and Alberta’s Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group. Through these pilots for plastic ag products such as baler twine, bale wrap, silage wrap and silage tarps, Cleanfarms collects data on efficient collection, transportation and recycling practices to help transition pilots to permanent programs.

“Recycling programs for ag plastics help give farmers peace of mind that these resource materials are managed responsibly when they are no longer needed or wanted on the farm,” Friesen says.

Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication and grain bag industries. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

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Cleanfarms.ca
Contact: Barbara McConnell   |   416-452-2373  |   bmcconnell@cleanfarms.ca

Cleanfarms reduces grain bag environmental handling fee

MOOSE JAW, SK (March 4, 2022) – As of March 1, Cleanfarms which operates the collection program to recycle agricultural grain bags in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, has reduced the Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) applied at the point of purchase. The non-refundable EHF drops from the current 25 cents per kilogram to 22.5 cents per kilogram.

The fee is used to fund recycling programs in the province where it is collected to help keep used agricultural plastic out of landfill and the environment. Grain bags returned for recycling fuel the circular economy and are used to make new plastic film produces. Environmental handling fees are commonly used to finance the recycling of many products. Examples are consumer electronics, oil and oil containers.

Cleanfarms operates the recycling programs in the two provinces on behalf of first sellers of agricultural grain bags in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These companies take responsibility for recovering used grain bags after growers are finished with them in compliance with provincially-regulated stewardship policies.

Under its The Agricultural Packaging Product Waste Stewardship Regulations (2016), the province of Saskatchewan requires first sellers of grain bags in the province to manage and finance a government-approved recycling program for grain bags. It has been in place for the past four years. In Manitoba, the government designated grain bags and twine under its Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Regulation in 2021. The EHF in Manitoba became effective on December 1, 2021. Cleanfarms is the non-profit industry stewardship organization that developed and operates the government approved programs in both provinces to recycle used grain bags.

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a non-profit agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, fertilizer, seed, animal health medication, grain bag and twine industries. It has staff located in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Lethbridge, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

                                                                        —30—

Contact: Barbara McConnell, Cleanfarms Media
416-452-2373
bmcconnell@cleanfarms.ca

Cleanfarms adds to its Quebec team to expand support for agricultural plastics recycling programs

Etobicoke, ON – In order to further expand its Quebec-based recovery and recycling programming for agricultural plastic packaging and containers, including silage films, Cleanfarms recently recruited Francis Gauthier, a sustainable development and waste management specialist with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors.

Mr. Gauthier, who is based in Victoriaville, will focus primarily on setting up and managing programs aimed at helping the agricultural sector work towards zero plastic waste to landfill. He will focus largely on the central and eastern regions in Quebec, working closely with various stakeholders including regional and municipal organizations, grower groups and individual farmers to ensure these programs are successful. He will also support other Cleanfarms programs such as the seed, pesticide and fertilizer bag collection program.

Before joining Cleanfarms, Mr. Gauthier, who is also a chartered professional accountant (CPA), was a project director with Gesterra, a waste management company that is a public-private partnership between the Regional County Municipality (MRC) of Arthabaska and Gaudreau Environnement. While at Gesterra, Mr. Gauthier designed the MRC’s waste management plan and developed agricultural plastics recovery initiatives within the region that are similar to those currently offered by Cleanfarms.

“When it comes to recycling, Quebec’s agricultural sector is leading the way. Cleanfarms is proud to work with stakeholders in all regions to develop programs to recycle more agricultural waste materials to support the province’s draft Extended Producer Responsibility regulation,” says Barry Friesen, Cleanfarms Executive Director. “The addition of Francis to the team will allows us to fulfill our mission in the province even more effectively.”

Mr. Gauthier, who joins Cleanfarms as a Senior Coordinator, reports to Christine Lajeunesse, Director, Eastern Region. “Not only does Francis have deep expertise in the waste management and agricultural sectors, he also has extensive experience with municipal and regional organizations, which are critical to the development of all our projects,” says Ms. Lajeunesse. “Our programs have an economic and environmental impact. As a chartered professional accountant, he is well equipped to examine and demonstrate both impacts and also to provide a solid financial foundation to these programs.”

“In Quebec, the advancement of agricultural plastics recycling now has the support of the provincial government. With Cleanfarms leading program implementation, the results will be far-reaching and I’m proud to be a part of this,” says Francis Gauthier. “From my previous work in the agricultural sector, I know how committed farmers are to protecting the environment and how receptive they are to solutions that make a real difference. I really look forward to working directly with farmers, as well as other stakeholders, to collaboratively deliver concrete results.”

Francis Gauthier can be reached at 514-473-2145 or gauthierf@agrirecup.ca.

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About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a national not-for-profit organization that delivers industry-funded, end-of-life stewardship programs to the agricultural sector across Canada. It works collaboratively with more than 75 members in the pesticide, fertilizer, seed, ag plastic, and animal health medication sectors, as well as partner agencies, and governments to ensure that Canadian farmers can actively contribute to a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

Cleanfarms has over ten years’ experience identifying and helping to develop North American markets for agricultural plastics through the ongoing development and management of farmer-focused recycling programs. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec. Learn more at cleanfarms.ca.

Cleanfarms Marks 4-Year Milestones of Saskatchewan Grain Bag Collection

MOOSE JAW, SK – Cleanfarms has reached a significant four-year milestone in the development and operation of the Saskatchewan Grain Bag Collection Program. Under the program, Cleanfarms collects used agricultural grain bags in the province and ensures the plastic is recycled through a network of domestic end-markets to make new products such as industrial garbage bag and construction sheeting.

Rolled grain bags at a Cleanfarms Saskatchewan collection site ready for shipment to a recycling plant. – Cleanfarms photo

Helping to support and expand domestic markets for used grain bags is one of Cleanfarms’ most important accomplishments for the Saskatchewan program, says Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen.

“This program ensures that collected plastic, which is still viable after it’s used for grain bags, gets recirculated in Canada’s emerging circular economy, rather than filling up Saskatchewan landfills,” Friesen points out. “That’s a major accomplishment.”

Since Cleanfarms launched the Saskatchewan Grain Bag Collection Program in 2018 under a government-regulated approved plan [1], Cleanfarms has shipped about 8,500 [2] tonnes of grain bag plastic for recycling. In 2020, 60% of the grain bags sold were returned for recycling.

Saskatchewan farmers/growers are significant users of grain bags to store grain at harvest. According to a Cleanfarms study that documented the generation of used plastic on Canadian farms, Saskatchewan growers use about 4,000 [3] tonnes of grain bags annually, more than farmers in any other province. While pilot collection programs for grain bags started in the province beginning in 2010, the benefits provided by these early start-ups were localized. However, the majority of grain bag plastic used in the province ended up piled in farm fields or in landfills. For that reason, many Saskatchewan municipalities were strong proponents of a regulated collection and recycling program for the plastic.

“At present there are no recycling plants for grain bag plastic in the province but Cleanfarms, which supports development of domestic markets, ships the majority of material to recycling facilities in Alberta, with a small amount shipped to a US-based recycler. Using domestic (Canadian) markets means that Cleanfarms can more easily track and monitor how the material is processed so that health and safety procedures are followed, ensure costs are reduced, and support local Western Canadian businesses.

Another four-year milestone is that Cleanfarms has now assembled sufficient, consistent collection data that can be used to introduce greater efficiencies into the program. One example of an improved system is the recent release of a request for proposal. It seeks the services of a local contractor to manage the loading and transportation of rolled grain bags collected at Cleanfarms collection sites throughout the province under a 5-year services agreement.

“Previously, we arranged for this job to be done by calling in transporters on an ‘as needed’ basis. As we accumulated operational data, we were able to make sound predictions on how the collection program would operate, even with fluctuations in harvest and weather which affects the number of grain bags sold and used in the province,” says Friesen. He points to the weather in 2021 as a prime example of the impact on the sale of grain bags in the Prairies.

“Some harvest seasons, you see grain bags everywhere in the rural setting. In other years, like last year, the number of grain bags on the fields was much lower. That means we’ll get fewer grain bags into the system to be recycled. Those are factors that a transportation service provider will take into consideration” he notes.

Cleanfarms says the longer term contract for loading and transporting grain bags will not only improve program efficiencies, it will also provide an opportunity for a company to have predictability in a longer term contract.

The number of collection sites that are now available throughout the province is another example of the growth and increasing stability of the program. Because Cleanfarms has extensive experience designing and operating safe collection programs for a wide range of used ag materials from empty plastic pesticide and fertilizer jugs, totes and drums to unwanted or old pesticides and obsolete animal health medications, it has gained extensive experience and expertise in designing, operating and managing ag waste recovery programs.

Collection sites for grain bags, baler twine and pesticide and fertilizer containers cover the province illustrating the extent to which Cleanfarms works with and supports local agricultural businesses throughout Saskatchewan. – From Cleanfarms.ca

“When we launched Saskatchewan’s permanent, province-wide program under the government regulation in 2018, we started with 16 collection sites. Four years later we have 45 for grain bags. That’s 45 locations in the province where Cleanfarms is supporting business activity and work hours, contributing directly to the local economy,” Friesen says, “and that adds up in dollars.”

“In the past four years alone, Cleanfarms has invested $2 million in local economies in the province with just the grain bag program. But that’s the tip of the iceberg. Over the past 10 years, considering the five permanent programs and numerous recycling collection pilots that we’ve operated here, we’ve invested close to $50 million in supporting Saskatchewan’s small businesses,” he adds. “That’s evidence that we take seriously our responsibility to be a good corporate citizen under our registration to operate as a not-for-profit in Saskatchewan.”

To ensure that Cleanfarms has feet on the ground in Saskatchewan, it has a full time western project coordinator located in Moose Jaw.

“Tammy Shields is well-known and highly respected in ag circles in the province. She has a vast knowledge of grain bag recycling…in fact, she started one of the first grain bag recycling micro-pilots in the province in 2010 in Milestone. We consider ourselves to be very lucky and well served to have her as part of our Prairie team,” Friesen says.

Cleanfarms, Friesen adds, is well positioned to move into the next phase of grain bag recycling in Saskatchewan. We will continue to promote the program to encourage growers to return grain bags for recycling and we’ll continue to look for opportunities to add improved accessibility for growers.

“Every grain bag recycled gets us closer to our goal of zero plastic ag waste to landfill,” Friesen says.

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a leader in providing environmentally-responsible programs to farmers/growers to help them manage used ag plastic materials and other ag packaging when they are no longer useful on the farm. This leadership is unmatched in Canada and recognized world-wide. Cleanfarms is funded by its more than 75 members in the crop protection, fertilizer, seed, animal health medication and grain bag industries.

 

#

Contact: Barbara McConnell, Cleanfarms Media
416-452-2373
bmcconnell@cleanfarms.ca


[1] Grain bag suppliers can meet their regulatory obligations under Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Packaging Product Waste Stewardship Regulation through Cleanfarms’ grain bag collection and recycling program.

[2] Approximates, in tonnes: 2018: 1,257; 2019: 2,256; 2020: 2,500; 2021: 2,496

[3] Estimated; annual numbers depend on harvest and weather: Cleanfarms’ Agricultural Plastic Characterization and Management on Canadian Farms, page 36.

Empty Grain Bags and Used Baler Twine Can Still be Recycled in Manitoba

Grain bags rolled and ready for shipment to a recycling facility. – Cleanfarms photo

Moose Jaw, SK — (December 1, 2021) – If Manitoba farmers have empty grain bags or used baler twine around the farm, there is still time to tidy up and recycle them before the full onset of winter, Cleanfarms says.

“It doesn’t matter if the grain bags were purchased this year, or if they were left over from previous years,” says Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen. “As long as farmers take steps to make sure they are free of grain and debris and rolled, we’ll take them at our collection sites for recycling.”

Directions for preparing grain bags and twine for recycling are included on cleanfarms.ca

Cleanfarms, a non-profit industry stewardship organization that has developed similar recycling programs for used ag plastics across Canada, has operated a multi-location pilot recycling collection program for used empty grain bags in Manitoba since 2013. It also developed and operates the successful small and large pesticide and fertilizer container recycling programs.

In 2020, Manitoba Conservation and Climate asked Cleanfarms to transition the grain bag and twine pilot to a province-wide permanent recycling program that will give Manitoba farmers broader access to recycling for these used ag plastics year-over-year. Under the regulation, responsibility for the permanent program now rests with the companies that supply grain bags and baler twine into the province.

Beginning on December 1, the regulated program includes a non-refundable environmental handling fee (EHF) that helps cover the cost of recycling. It is applied to grain bag and baler twine sales at the time of purchase which usually begins in early summer. For grain bags the EHF will be 25 cents per kilogram; for baler twine of all sizes it will be 33 cents per kilogram.

A similar program that includes an EHF has been in place for the past three years on the sale of grain bags under the provincially-regulated program in Saskatchewan. During this time, Saskatchewan farmers there have consistently surpassed year-over-year recycling rates. The Manitoba-regulated program will help to harmonize the recycling programs across the two Prairie provinces.

Cleanfarms has set up 35 recycling collection sites across Manitoba. Details about the location and hours of operation of each recycling collection site, along with instructions on how to prepare the materials for recycling can be found at cleanfarms.ca/what to recycle & where. Recycling collection centers are located in the following municipalities:

  • RM of Armstrong – Chatfield Transfer Station
  • RM of Armstrong – Inwood Transfer Station
  • RM of Armstrong – Meleb Waste Disposal Grounds
  • RM of Brenda-Waskada
  • RM of Cartwright-Roblin Waste Transfer Station
  • RM of Coldwell Eriksdale – Waste Disposal Grounds
  • RM of Dauphin, Sammy’s Farm Supply
  • RM of Dauphin, Sifton Landfill
  • RM of Ethelbert – Mink Creek Waste Transfer Station
  • Grandview Municipality Waste Transfer Station
  • RM of Grey – R-Way AG Ltd.
  • RM of Grey Landfill
  • Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain
  • RM of Lakeshore, Makinak Landfill
  • RM of Lakeshore, Ochre River Landfill
  • RM of Lakeshore, Rorketon Landfill
  • Neepawa Area, Evergreen Technologies Regional Landfill
  • RM of Norfolk-Treherne, Rathwell Transfer Station
  • RM of Norfolk-Treherne, Treherne Transfer Station
  • RM of Pipestone – Reston Landfill & Recycling Depot
  • RM of Portage la Prairie, The Portage la Prairie Landfill
  • RM of Riding Mountain West – Inglis Waste Disposal
  • RM of Rosedale – Kelwood Landfill
  • RM of Russell/Binscarth
  • RM of Stanley SWAMP Landfill
  • City of Steinbach, City of Steinbach Landfill Facility
  • RM of Stuartburn
  • RM of Thompson
  • RM of Two Borders, Pierson Landfill
  • RM of Victoria – Holland Waste Disposal Grounds
  • RM of Westinterlake – Ashern
  • RM of Westinterlake – Oakview Waste Transfer Station
  • RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Gladstone Location
  • RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Langruth Location
  • RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Plumas Location
  • RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Westbourne Location

Recycled grain bags are used to make new products such as plastic construction sheet products and industrial garbage bags. Recycled baler twine is made into car parts, composite decking, flowerpots, dimensional lumber and similar items.

Cleanfarms is a non-profit, agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future for present and future farm families by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, fertilizer, seed, animal health medication and grain bag industries. It has staff located in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Lethbridge, Alberta; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

View Manitoba’s Stewardship Program Plan for Designated Ag Plastics here.

Information about this program, go to recyclegrainbagsandtwine.ca

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Contact: Barbara McConnell, Cleanfarms Media
416-452-2373
bmcconnell@cleanfarms.ca

 

Cleanfarms Recycling ‘Open for Business’ in Saskatchewan to Support Producers Who Use Grain Bags

Empty grain bags rolled and ready for recycling.

MOOSE JAW, Saskatchewan (October 29, 2021)—As the harvest season draws to a close, Cleanfarms would like to remind producers who are emptying grain bags this fall or cleaning out from previous years that its grain bag recycling collection sites are fully open across the province and ready for producers to bring their used ag plastics in for recycling.

While the growing season has been challenging in many ways, Cleanfarms reports that so far this year, producers have returned more than 2,055 tonnes of grain bags for recycling. With nine weeks left in the year, Cleanfarms says Saskatchewan producers may even close the gap to matching the 2,536 tonnes collected for recycling in 2020.

Forty-four collection sites across Saskatchewan from Meadow Lake in the northwest to Carievale in the southeast are set up to receive used, rolled grain bags, including a number of new locations that are now open for producers around Regina, Biggar, and Preeceville.

The new sites make it more convenient for many Saskatchewan producers to get to a collection location. Some collection sites also have grain bag rollers available to enable producers to prepare the bags on site for recycling.

“Our network of collections sites, along with the logistics, loading, shipping and program management are all Saskatchewan-based which adds to the local economy while at the same time, doing the important job of collecting used plastics for recycling. Not only does the Cleanfarms recycling program keep the used plastics out of the environment, it fuels the circular economy so the plastic is used again,” said Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen.

Recycled grain bags are used to make new products such as plastic construction sheet products and industrial garbage bags.

Grain bag recycling in Saskatchewan was a first-of-its-kind agricultural recycling program established under the province’s Agricultural Packaging Product Waste Stewardship Regulations (2016).

When it got underway in 2018, it was the only government-regulated extended producer responsibility program of its kind in Canada. Now Manitoba is set up to recover grain bags and baler twine and Cleanfarms is operating pilots to collect information on recovery patterns in Alberta.

Collecting used grain bags in Saskatchewan is growing year over year. In 2018, Cleanfarms recovered 1,257 tonnes or grain bags. In 2020, Saskatchewan farmers doubled this, returning 2,536 tonnes of grain bags for recycling.

Cleanfarms’ research estimates that Canadian farmers use nearly 62,000 tonnes of ag plastic products and packaging annually. More than half of that, about 53%, is generated in the Prairie provinces.

“This program has progressed significantly over the past four years. Our collection rate in Saskatchewan in 2020 represent 63% of the material that was available. We have Saskatchewan producers to thank for that along with our 44 collection partners,” said Friesen. “We are very grateful they are continuing to participate so enthusiastically in this recycling program.”

Cleanfarms is an industry stewardship organization that fulfills the commitment of its industry members to manage their products and packaging when farmers are finished with them. The other programs are:

  • a nation-wide recycling program for small pesticide and fertilizer containers/jugs
  • a nation-wide recycling program for large non-deposit plastic totes and drums for pesticides and fertilizers
  • a nation-wide collection and proper disposal program for unwanted pesticides and old, obsolete livestock and equine medications
  • a disposal program for seed and pesticide bags in eastern Canada and fertilizer bags in Quebec.

Cleanfarms is also operating a series of pilot projects from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island to collect data on how to recover and recycle used plastic bale and silage wrap, baler twine and bunker covers. The information will help communities evaluate more long term solutions.

Information about the location of ag plastic collection sites is provided at Cleanfarms.ca

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a national not-for-profit organization that delivers industry-funded, end-of-life stewardship programs to the agricultural sector across Canada. It works collaboratively with more than 70 members in the pesticide, fertilizer, seed, ag plastic, and animal health medication sectors, as well as partner agencies, and governments to ensure that Canadian farmers can actively contribute to a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

Cleanfarms has over ten years’ experience identifying and helping to develop North American markets for agricultural plastics through the ongoing development and management of farmer-focused recycling programs. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

—30— 

Contact: Barbara McConnell, Cleanfarms Media
416-452-2373
bmcconnell@cleanfarms.ca

Cleanfarms Collecting Unwanted Agricultural Pesticides and Old Livestock/Equine Medications in New Brunswick November 1 to 12

Containers of unwanted pesticides and old livestock/equine medications recovered for safe disposal at a recent Cleanfarms collection event. – Cleanfarms photo

(ETOBICOKE, ON) October 25, 2021 – Cleanfarms is back in New Brunswick holding events in 11 locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 1 to 12 to collect unwanted and old agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock, equine and farm animal medications.

Cleanfarms operates this program so farmers can dispose of these unwanted materials keeping them out of the environment and managed for safe disposal.

Cleanfarms’ “Unwanted Pesticides and Old Livestock/Equine Medications” collection program is funded entirely by its crop input members and through a partnership with the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI). The program rotates into various regions across Canada every three years. Farmers can use the program at no charge to them.

“Farmers wait for this program to come back to their region. We know they are eager to dispose of these old materials safely without risk to the environment. It helps them keep their farms clean and sustainable,” said Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen.

Since the program began more than 10 years ago, 3.7 million kg of unwanted pesticides and 52,000 kg of obsolete farm animal (cattle, horses, goats, poultry) health medications have been collected across the country.

This year’s collection sites are (in alpha order):

  • DRUMMOND – New Denmark Trucking, 194 Station Rd., 506-473-1086
  • FLORENCEVILLE-BRISTOL – McCain Produce, 16 McCain Produce Rd., 506-392-3229
  • FREDERICTON – Co-op Home & Farm, 317 Saint Mary’s St., 506-458-9308
  • GAGETOWN – Appleman Farms Ltd., 16 Fox Rd., 506-488-2147
  • HARTLAND – Hartland Agromart Ltd., 40 Industrial Dr., 506-392-7464
  • MONCTON – South Eastern Farmers Co-op, 200 Collishaw St., 506-858-6600
  • PETIT-ROCHER- Chaleur Fertilizers Ltd., 558 Industry St., 506-783-4216
  • SAINT ANDRÉ – Agromart Grand Falls, 38 Després Rd., 506-473-1941
  • SAINT JOHN – Halifax Seed, 664 Rothesay Ave., 506-633-2032
  • SALISBURY – Cavendish, 3030 Fredericton Rd., 506-372-9309
  • SUSSEX – Sussex Co-op, 25 Union St., 506-432-1826

Event details can be found on Cleanfarms.ca under “what to recycle & where”. COVID precautions will be in place.

Materials accepted in the Cleanfarms program include:

  • old or unwanted agricultural pesticides (identified with a Pest Control Product number on the label)
  • commercial pesticides for golf courses and industrial and commercial pest control products (identified with a Pest Control Product number on the label)
  • medications that are used in rearing animals in an agricultural context or for equine use (identified with a DIN number, serial number or Pest Control Product number on the label)
  • only partially full and opened jugs of adjuvant and surfactant will be accepted.

The program does NOT accept:

  • fertilizer, diluted solution, large quantities of unopened product, and treated seed
  • needles/sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, premises disinfectants/sanitizers, veterinary clinic waste and medications, ear tags, and aerosols
  • any other household hazardous waste
  • full and unopened jugs of adjuvant and surfactant.

This program will return to New Brunswick in 2024.

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a national not-for-profit organization that delivers industry-funded, end-of-life stewardship programs to the agricultural sector across Canada. It works collaboratively with more than 70 members in the pesticide, fertilizer, seed, ag plastic, and animal health medication sectors, as well as partner agencies, and governments to ensure that Canadian farmers can actively contribute to a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

Cleanfarms has over ten years’ experience identifying and helping to develop North American markets for agricultural plastics through the ongoing development and management of farmer-focused recycling programs. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

www.cleanfarms.ca

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Media Contact:
Barbara McConnell
media@cleanfarms.ca
P. 613-471-1816
M. 416-452-2373

Cleanfarms Collecting Unwanted Agricultural Pesticides and Old Livestock/Equine Medications in Nova Scotia November 1 to 12

Containers of unwanted pesticides and old livestock/equine medications recovered for safe disposal at a recent Cleanfarms collection event. – Cleanfarms photo

(ETOBICOKE, ON) October 22, 2021 – Cleanfarms is back in Nova Scotia holding events in 11 locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 1 to 12 to collect unwanted and old agricultural pesticides and old, obsolete livestock, equine and farm animal medications.

Cleanfarms operates this program so farmers can dispose of these unwanted materials keeping them out of the environment and managed for safe disposal.

Cleanfarms’ “Unwanted Pesticides and Old Livestock/Equine Medications” collection program is funded entirely by its crop input members and through a partnership with the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI). The program rotates into various regions across Canada every three years. Farmers can use the program at no charge to them.

“Farmers wait for this program to come back to their region. We know they are eager to dispose of these old materials safely without risk to the environment. It helps them keep their farms clean and sustainable,” said Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen.

Since the program began more than 10 years ago, 3.7 million kg of unwanted pesticides and 52,000 kg of obsolete farm animal (cattle, horses, goats, poultry) health medications have been collected across the country.

This year’s collection sites are (in alpha order):

  • AMHERST – Amherst Co-op Country Store, 17 Lawrence St., 902-667-1278
  • ANTIGONISH – Antigonish Farm & Garden Co-op, 91 Saint Andrews St., 902-863-1436
  • COLDBROOK – Scotian Gold Co-op Ltd., 7021 Hwy 1, 902-679-0788
  • COLLINGWOOD – Braggs Oxford, 99 Bragg Rd., 902-686-3254
  • HALIFAX – Halifax Seed, 5860 Kane St., 902-455-4364
  • KENTVILLE – Cavendish Agri Services, 1205 Hwy 359, 902-678-6191
  • MILFORD STATION – Corridor Co-op, 2289 Hwy 2, 902-758-2046
  • SYDNEY – United Farmers Co-op, 502 Keltic Dr., 902-564-8134
  • TRURO – Cavendish Agri Services, 38 Wade Rd., 902-893-6950
  • UPPER ONSLOW, TRURO – Agromart, 547 Onslow Rd., 902-895-2857
  • WILMONT – Cavendish Agri Services, 14062 Hwy 1, 902-825-4878

Event details can be found on Cleanfarms.ca under “what to recycle & where”. COVID precautions will be in place.

Materials accepted in the Cleanfarms program include:

  • old or unwanted agricultural pesticides (identified with a Pest Control Product number on the label)
  • commercial pesticides for golf courses and industrial and commercial pest control products (identified with a Pest Control Product number on the label)
  • medications that are used in rearing animals in an agricultural context or for equine use (identified with a DIN number, serial number or Pest Control Product number on the label)

Only partially full and opened jugs of adjuvant and surfactant will be accepted.

The program does NOT accept:

  • fertilizer, diluted solution, large quantities of unopened product, and treated seed
  • needles/sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, premises disinfectants/sanitizers, veterinary clinic waste and medications, ear tags, and aerosols
  • any other household hazardous waste
  • full and unopened jugs of adjuvant and surfactant

This program will return to Nova Scotia in 2024.

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a national not-for-profit organization that delivers industry-funded, end-of-life stewardship programs to the agricultural sector across Canada. It works collaboratively with more than 70 members in the pesticide, fertilizer, seed, ag plastic, and animal health medication sectors, as well as partner agencies, and governments to ensure that Canadian farmers can actively contribute to a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

Cleanfarms has over ten years’ experience identifying and helping to develop North American markets for agricultural plastics through the ongoing development and management of farmer-focused recycling programs. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

www.cleanfarms.ca

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Media Contact:
Barbara McConnell
media@cleanfarms.ca
P. 613-471-1816
M. 416-452-2373

Waste Reduction Week a Reminder that Farmers Can Still Recycle Empty Plastic Pesticide and Fertilizer Jugs

Cleanfarms reminds farmers they can recycle empty, rinsed pesticide and fertilizer jugs until the end of October. – Cleanfarms photo

Recycling Collection Sites Will Take Empties Until the End of October

Etobicoke, ON (Oct. 18, 2021)Waste Reduction Week Canada comes up next week, Monday, October 18 to Friday, October 22. Each day of the week is designated to highlight key issues bringing them to the attention of Canadians. Thursday is designated as “plastics” day. The designation opens the door for Cleanfarms to remind Canadian farmers that they still have time to recycle those empty pesticide and fertilizer containers they may have stored in their farmyards or sheds.

Cleanfarms, the national stewardship organization that recovers agricultural waste like plastic jugs for recycling will keep their collection locations across the country open and ready to take rinsed, empty jugs until the end of October.

More than 1,600 collection locations work with Cleanfarms accepting millions of empty plastic containers 23L and smaller throughout the growing season. The Cleanfarms program keeps these used plastic materials out of the environment and reinvested in the circular economy.

Last year, Canadian farmers brought back more than 76% of the containers put into the marketplace, amounting to about 5.5 million empty jugs. It brought the total since the collection program began more than 30 years ago to 137.4 million containers returned for recycling.

“We’re making steady progress toward higher recovery rates of the empty jugs for recycling and we credit Canadian farmers for making this program the success it is. But we have a challenge for farmers. We want 100% of them back this year,” said Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen.

When the jugs are recycled, the plastic gets put to good use. It is used to make such items as farm drainage tile, fence posts, dimensional lumber used in construction and plastic pallets.

Recycling empty (and triple rinsed) pesticide and fertilizer jugs is one of five programs Cleanfarms operates. It is an industry stewardship organization that fulfills the commitment of its industry members in the crop inputs and crop storage industries to manage their products and packaging when farmers are finished with them. The other programs are:

  • a nation-wide recycling program for large non-deposit plastic totes and drums for pesticides and fertilizers
  • a nation-wide collection and proper disposal program for unwanted pesticides and old, obsolete livestock and equine medications
  • recycling programs for grain bags and agricultural baler twine, and
  • a disposal program for seed and pesticide bags in eastern Canada and fertilizer bags in Quebec

Cleanfarms is also operating a series of pilot projects from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island to collect data on how to recover and recycle used plastic bale and silage wrap and bunker covers. The information will help develop permanent programs.

“Cleanfarms works with farmers and farming organizations to set up recycling and responsible disposal programs that give farmers peace of mind that these waste resource materials are managed responsibly when they are no longer needed or wanted. It’s good for farmers and good for the environment” Friesen said.

Information about the location of ag plastic collection sites is provided at Cleanfarms.ca

About Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a national not-for-profit organization that delivers industry-funded, end-of-life stewardship programs to the agricultural sector across Canada. It works collaboratively with more than 70 members in the pesticide, fertilizer, seed, ag plastic, and animal health medication sectors, as well as partner agencies, and governments to ensure that Canadian farmers can actively contribute to a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

Cleanfarms has over ten years’ experience identifying and helping to develop North American markets for agricultural plastics through the ongoing development and management of farmer-focused recycling programs. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

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Contact: Barbara McConnell, Cleanfarms Media
416-452-2373
bmcconnell@cleanfarms.ca