Farmers in Alberta can now recycle grain bags and twine under the Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! pilot program.
This page provides all the information you need to be able to participate fully in this three-year program.
- Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! program background
- Other Ag-related waste materials that Alberta farmers can recycle and manage safely
Funds for the pilot project were granted by the Government of Alberta and are administered by Alberta Beef Producers.
Grain Bags
Follow these 3 steps to ensure that your used grain bags can be accepted and recycled:
Shake – Remove debris; grain bags need to be as clean as possible with care to remove as much organic material (spoilage, dirt, etc.) before or during rolling. Excessively dirty or loose/unrolled bags may be rejected, or subject to a landfill tipping fee or additional charges at drop off.- Roll – Prepare grain bags by rolling and tying with twine. In Alberta, grain bag rollers and compactors are available for use at some but not all sites. Contact your local collection site for information on what is being collected and on rolling grain bags.
- Return – Please contact a pilot collection site before dropping off material. Some, but not all, Alberta collection sites may also accept properly prepared twine (excluding net wrap) for recycling. Learn more
What‘s In and What’s Out for Grain Bags
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*Some sites that have a compactor may be able to accept unrolled grain bags. Contact your site to learn more |
Grain Bag FAQs
Do all Alberta pilot sites collect grain bags along with twine?
There will be some variation between sites – please call ahead to check what your local site collects.
This program is a pilot which means that we are testing out recycling markets and program logistics. Collection sites may collect grain bags only, twine only or both based on the types of farms in the region and/or resources/equipment available.
Why can’t I bring in my bale/silage film or net wrap?
Recycling markets are not currently available for these items.
Is funding available to farmers for grain bag rollers?
Alberta producers can apply for 50% funding towards the purchase of a grain bag roller or a compactor under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) program.
Does Cleanfarms provide collection sites with compactors, grain bag rollers or other equipment?
No. Funding is not available for capital purchases.
Can I bring other types of ag plastics to a collection site?
Call your collection site first. Some sites are diverting other agricultural plastics from landfill. These practices are not separate from this government funded pilot.
Can clubroot or other diseases be picked up at a landfill? How can I minimize the risk of transference?
Pest control officers generally deem this low risk. Best management practices, including cleaning of machinery and tires at the farm level, will help manage this risk.
Twine
Follow these 3 steps to ensure that your used twine can be accepted and recycled:
Shake – Remove as much debris, snow or ice as possible. Excessively dirty twine may be rejected, or subject to a landfill tipping fee or additional charges at drop off.- Bag – Place loose twine in a Cleanfarms recycling bag and tie bags to close. Please do not knot the twine. Cleanfarms recycling bags are available at your RM office or collection site.
- Return – Return to your local pilot collection site. Please call your collection site before dropping off material to confirm hours of operation or if assistance is required.
What‘s In & What’s Out for Twine
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Twine FAQs
Can I use my seed or bulk tote bags as a collection bag?
Yes. Please note that the bag will be inspected to ensure that only twine is brought in to a collection site.
Do all Alberta pilot sites collect grain bags along with twine?
No. Call your local site. This is a pilot program which means that we are testing out recycling markets and program logistics. Collection sites may collect grain bags only, twine only or both based on the types of farms in the region and/or resources/equipment available.
Why can’t I bring in my net wrap?
Recycling markets are not currently available for net wrap
What about other types of ag plastics? Can I bring these to a collection site?
Call your collection site first. Some sites are diverting other agricultural plastics from landfill. These practices are separate from this government funded pilot.
View your Alberta Collection Sites in a full screen map.
