Cleanfarms and the Peace River Regional District Renew Successful Agricultural Plastics Recycling Program Offering in British Columbia’s Peace Region

A person with a rolled grain bag

Since 2021, the Peace River Regional District and Cleanfarms pilot program has successfully diverted over 55 tonnes of used grain bags and agricultural baler twine from landfills, demonstrating the strong commitment of local farmers to environmental stewardship.

Dawson Creek, British Columbia – October 28, 2025 – Cleanfarms and the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) are pleased to announce the continuation of their successful program to recycle used agricultural twine and grain bags (large bags used to store crops post-harvest) once they’ve been used on the farm.

Since its launch in 2021, farmers in the region have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable waste management, diverting over 55 tonnes of these items from landfills.

“The success of this project is a direct result of the dedication shown by Peace River farmers and our project partners,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “Diverting over 55 metric tonnes of grain bags and agricultural twine proves that when industry and local government provide accessible options, farmers step up for environmental stewardship.

“The Peace River Regional District is committed to keeping agricultural plastics out of our landfills. We are excited to renew this successful partnership and look forward to seeing continued high participation from our local producers,” said Leonard Hiebert, Board Chair of the PRRD.”

The PRRD has established eight dedicated collection sites and offers a grain bag roller for rent at a rate of $50 per day. To rent a roller, contact the PRRD at 250-784-3200 or via email at environmental.services@prrd.bc.ca.

To ensure grain bags can be recycled, it’s important for farmers to mechanically roll grain bags prior to drop-off. Baler twine must be placed in clear collection bags that are available at no charge at participating PRRD collection sites. Note: Net wrap is not accepted in this program.

Collection sites are:

  • Bessborough Landfill
  • Buick Creek Transfer Station
  • Cecil Lake Transfer Station
  • Chetwynd Landfill
  • North Peace Regional Landfill
  • Prespatou Transfer Station
  • Rolla Transfer Station
  • Tomslake Transfer Station

This project, along with similar initiatives in the Fraser Valley and Thompson-Nicola regions, highlights the growing momentum for agricultural recycling across the province, reinforcing British Columbia’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Learn more about the ongoing project on Cleanfarms website and the PRRD website.

 

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Cleanfarms.ca

 

About the Peace River Regional District (PRRD)

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is a collaborative regional government for a vast 117,300 square kilometer area in northeast British Columbia, representing over 61,000 residents and includes seven First Nations communities. Guided by an elected Board and strategic plan, the PRRD unites seven municipalities and four electoral areas (B, C, D and E) to deliver essential services such as waste management, fire protection and emergency response. The PRRD champions sustainable economic development across key sectors – including agriculture, forestry, oil and gas and tourism.

 

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator
Cleanfarms Inc.
lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

 

Peace River Regional District (PRRD)

Annette Andrews, Communications Manager
annette.andrews@prrd.bc.ca | 250-784-3200

Cleanfarms Brings Unwanted Pesticides & Old Livestock Medications Collection to Newfoundland, and Adds Recycling for Small Containers This October

A Cleanfarms contractor wearing an orange safety vest, hard hat, mask, and gloves handles large, plastic jugs of unwanted agricultural products being unloaded from the back of a white pickup truck during a collection event.

A contractor working with Cleanfarms helps a farmer safely unload unwanted agricultural pesticides and old livestock/equine medications (UPLM) for safe disposal.

Etobicoke, ON, October 17, 2025 – Cleanfarms is bringing its unwanted pesticide and old livestock/equine medication (UPLM) collection program to Newfoundland from October 21 to 24, with events scheduled in Foxtrap, Lethbridge, Lewisporte, and Deer Lake.

New this year, Cleanfarms will also accept triple-rinsed and bagged empty pesticide and fertilizer containers (23L and under) at these events, giving Newfoundland farmers a convenient new way to recycle.

“This is a significant milestone for our 15th anniversary year,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director at Cleanfarms. “We’re proud to expand our programs in Newfoundland and bring added convenience to farmers who are committed to managing these materials safely.”

Free collection bags for containers are available through local Pest Management Specialists from Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Regional Offices in Pynns Brook and St. John’s, addresses below:

  • Pynn’s Brook Regional Office, 1 Agriculture Road, Off TCH, behind Weight Scales, Pynns Brook NL, A0L 1K0, 709-686-2702
  • St. John’s Provincial Agriculture Building, 204 Brookfield Road 2nd Floor, St. John’s, NL, A1E 0B2, 709-697-5013

Collection events for both materials run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in:

  • FOXTRAP – Oct. 21 – Dept. of Transportation and Infrastructure Depot, 0.5 km N of Trans-Canada Hwy / Foxtrap Access Rd. on Incinerator Rd.
  • LETHBRIDGE – Oct. 22 – Dept. of Transportation and Infrastructure Depot, On Route 230, 2.4 km north of Route 233 Turn off
  • LEWISPORTE – Oct. 23 – Dept. of Transportation and Infrastructure Depot, 6 km N of Trans-Canada Hwy / Route 340 Intersection on Route 340
  • DEER LAKE – Oct. 24 – Dept. of Transportation and Infrastructure Depot, 74 Old Bonne Bay Rd.

Drop-off of accepted material is free of charge. We are grateful for the Newfoundland Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture for their support of programs on the island. These programs are made possible through funding provided by Cleanfarms’ crop protection industry members with the additional support of Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) for the UPLM program.

UPLM Accepted materials include:

  • Unwanted agricultural pesticides (must have a Pest Control Product number)
  • Commercial pesticides used in industrial settings and on golf courses
  • Livestock and equine medications that are used on-farm (must have a DIN, serial number, notification number, or Pest Control Product number)

Materials not accepted include treated seed, needles/sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, and domestic pesticides or medications.

For detailed instructions on preparing your materials, please review the separate program pages for unwanted pesticides & old livestock medications at https://cleanfarms.ca/materials/unwanted-pesticides-animal-meds/and small containers at https://cleanfarms.ca/materials/containers-up-to-23l/

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
cleanfarms.ca

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator | lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

Manitoba Farmers: Safely Dispose of Unwanted Pesticides and Old Livestock/Equine Medications This October

Cleanfarms provides free, safe disposal of unwanted agricultural pesticides and old livestock medications. This program runs in Manitoba from October 27 to 31 at 20 locations.

Winnipeg, MB, October 17, 2025 – Manitoba farmers will be able to safely dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock/equine medications through Cleanfarms’ free drop-off program running from October 27 to 31, 2025.

This program is part of Cleanfarms’ national initiative, supported by its crop protection industry members and the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), to assist farmers in managing agricultural materials responsibly.

“We’re proud to offer Manitoba farmers a free drop-off and a trusted way to dispose of these materials,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “This is one of our longest-running programs and continues to provide meaningful environmental benefits across the country.”

Collection events will take place at 20 locations across the province from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in:

  • ALTONA– Oct. 28 – GJ Chemical Co., Junction of Hwy 30 & Rd. 9 N
  • ARBORG– Oct. 27 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, 55 Main St. S
  • BALDUR– Oct. 28 – Pembina Co-op, 121 2nd St. S
  • BEAUSEJOUR– Oct. 30 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, 73010 Rd. 40 off Hwy 44
  • BIRTLE– Oct. 30 – Twin Valley Co-op, 66 Hwy 83 S
  • BRUNKILD– Oct. 27 – MK Agro, 3062 Rd. 39 NW
  • DAUPHIN– Oct. 28 – Dauphin Co-op Agro, 601 Whitmore Ave. E
  • DELORAINE– Oct. 31 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, Junction of Hwy 3 & Broadway St. S
  • DOUGLAS– Oct. 29 – Heritage Co-op – Brandon Agro Centre, South on Rd. 100 W, 8 miles E of Brandon on Hwy 1
  • GLADSTONE– Oct. 31 – Parrish & Heimbecker, 64084 Rd. 64 W
  • GUNTON– Oct. 28 – Paterson Grain – Crop Inputs, 89113 PTH 7
  • HOLLAND– Oct. 27 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, Junction of Hwy 2 & Centreville Rd.
  • INGLIS– Oct. 29 – Prairie Giants Crop Supply, 2 km E of Hwy 83 on PR 366
  • MEADOWS– Oct. 29 – Ag Advantage Ltd., 68156 Rd. 6 W
  • MINTO– Oct. 30 – Pembina Co-op, 210 S Railway St.
  • PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE– Oct. 30 – Portage AgriSales Portage, 38149 Hwy 1 W
  • RIVERS– Oct. 31 – Redfern Farm Services, 101 2nd Ave.
  • CLAUDE– Oct. 29 – R-Way AG, 38084 PTH 2
  • STEINBACH– Oct. 31 – Clearview Co-op – Steinbach Agro Centre, 33124 Rd. 39 N (Corner of Rd. 39 N & Hwy 12 N), Between Steinbach and Blumenort
  • SWAN RIVER– Oct. 27 – New Era Ag, 520 3rd Ave. S

Accepted materials include:

  • Unwanted agricultural pesticides (must have a Pest Control Product number)
  • Commercial pesticides used in industrial settings and on golf courses
  • Livestock and equine medications that are used on-farm (must have a DIN, serial number, notification number, or Pest Control Product number)

Materials not accepted include treated seed, needles/sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, and domestic pesticides or medications.

To find a nearby collection site and learn more about how to prepare materials, visit: https://cleanfarms.ca/materials/unwanted-pesticides-animal-meds/

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
cleanfarms.ca

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator | lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

Cleanfarms and Thompson-Nicola Regional District Launch Agricultural Plastics Recycling Pilot Program

A wide shot of a large, silage plastic in use in a field. This visual represents the agricultural plastic (silage cover) being collected for recycling in the Cleanfarms/TNRD pilot project.

This photo shows agricultural plastic in use on a farm, the type of bulky material being targeted for recycling in the new pilot by Cleanfarms and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

Kamloops, British Columbia – October 8, 2025 – Cleanfarms and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) are launching a new pilot program to recycle bale wrap and silage bags and covers. This program will help divert agricultural plastics from being landfilled, and will support a more sustainable agricultural sector in this region. Funded by a four-year, $134,500 commitment from the TNRD, the project will run from June 2025 to December 2028. The pilot will provide selected farms and ranches with compactors, making it easier for them to recycle bale wraps and silage bags and covers.

“This pilot is another example that demonstrates how targeted innovation creates effective recycling solutions for the agricultural community in British Columbia,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director at Cleanfarms.

“We are excited to see the impact of these compactors in the Thompson-Nicola region. This initiative makes it significantly easier and more efficient for our farmers and ranchers to store and transport bulky materials for recycling,” said Adriana Mailloux, TNRD Manager of Solid Waste & Recycling.

Cleanfarms will connect the compacted materials with end markets for recycling. The program is designed to expand to more farms and ranches over the four-year period. Interested producers are invited to contact the TNRD to express their interest.

This pilot program through Cleanfarms complements existing recycling efforts in the Fraser Valley and Peace River regional districts, demonstrating a growing commitment to environmental stewardship across British Columbia. This stewardship also includes unwanted pesticides & livestock/equine medications collection events, which are next available for farmers in the BC Peace Region on October 14–16, 2025.

To learn more about this program, visit the BC Pilot page.

 

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Cleanfarms.ca

 

About the TNRD

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is located in south-central British Columbia, and includes more than 65 unincorporated communities within 10 Electoral Areas, as well as 11 Member Municipalities and 25 First Nations. As a local government, the TNRD delivers approximately 116 services, which range from being local (such as fire protection or water service), sub-regional (such as solid waste and recycling), or region-wide (such as library service). To learn more, visit: tnrd.ca.

 

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator
Cleanfarms Inc.
lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

 

Adriana Mailloux, Manager of Solid Waste and Recycling
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
amailloux@tnrd.ca | (250) 377-6294

Northern Alberta, Alberta & British Columbia Peace Region Farmers: Unwanted Agricultural Pesticides and Obsolete Livestock/Equine Medications Events Starting in October

Unwanted and obsolete agricultural pesticides & livestock/equine medications (UPLM) fall collection events

Lethbridge, AB, September 24, 2025 – Cleanfarms is preparing to host its 2025 fall collection events for unwanted agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock and equine medications in Northern Alberta and the Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia.

This program, free drop-off to farmers and ranchers, is funded by Cleanfarms’ crop protection industry members and the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI).

Locations will be spread across multiple rural and accessible points within these regions, ensuring that farmers have convenient access.

“Our 15-year legacy depends on strong collaboration with farmers at the field level,” said Barry Friesen, Cleanfarms Executive Director. “We are excited to bring back our fall UPLM collection to the farmers of Northern Alberta and the Peace Region (AB & BC), providing them with an easy and convenient way to manage their unwanted waste.”

To find a nearby collection site and learn more about how to prepare materials, visit: https://cleanfarms.ca/materials/unwanted-pesticides-animal-meds

NORTHERN ALBERTA (North of Red Deer): October 6 – 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • BARRHEAD – Oct. 7 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, 6201 46th street, Barrhead, Alberta, T7N 1A4
  • BENALTO – Oct. 10 – Benalto Agri Services Ltd., 38531 Range Rd. 2–4
  • CALMAR – Oct. 6 – Leduc Co-op, 49451 Range Rd. 263, Calmar
  • EDBERG – Oct. 10 – Crop Management Network, 44264 Range Rd. 201
  • LAMONT – Oct. 7 – Richardson Pioneer, 553032 RR 195, 1 mile E of Lamont on Hwy. 15
  • LEGAL – Oct. 9 – Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers, 57402 RR 252A, Legal
  • MARWAYNE – Oct. 6 – Parrish & Heimbecker, 212 Railway Ave.
  • NEERLANDIA – Oct. 6 – Neerlandia Co-op, 3224 Twp. Rd. 615A
  • PONOKA – Oct. 9 – UFA, 3604 67th St.
  • PROVOST – Oct. 9 – Synergy AG, 12473 Township Rd
  • SEDGEWICK – Oct. 10 – Wild Rose Co-op, 12473 Twp. Rd. 441
  • STETTLER – Oct. 8 – UFA, 7007 50th Ave (on Hwy. 12 E)
  • STURGEON COUNTY – Oct. 10 – Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers, 55003 Range Rd 253, St. Albert
  • VEGREVILLE – Oct. 8 – Crop Management Network, 5926 60th St.
  • VERMILION – Oct. 7 – Cargill, Range Rd 63, 1 mile E of Vermilion
  • VIKING – Oct. 9 – Wild Rose Co-op, 5130 55th St.
  • WAINWRIGHT – Oct. 8 – Parrish & Heimbecker, Intersection of Hwy. 14 & Hwy. 41, 2 miles S on Hwy. 41
  • WASKATENAU – Oct. 6 – Richardson Pioneer, 19409 Hwy 656
  • WESTLOCK – Oct. 8 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, 10116 108th St.
  • WETASKIWIN – Oct. 7 – Wetaskiwin Co-op, 3702 47th St.

PEACE REGION (AB & BC): October 14 – 16, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

British Columbia Peace Region

  • FORT ST. JOHN – Oct. 14 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, 9704 78 St.
  • ROLLA – Oct. 15 – Dawson Co-op, 5082 Rolla Rd.

Alberta Peace Region

  • FAIRVIEW – Oct. 16 – HawkView Ag, 10212 98 Street
  • FALHER – Oct. 15 – St. Isidore Co-op, 700 2nd Ave. SE
  • NAMPA – Oct. 14 – Richardson Pioneer, 10302 Hwy 683
  • SEXSMITH – Oct. 16 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, Intersection of Hwy 2 and Hwy 672

Accepted materials include:

  • Unwanted agricultural pesticides (must have a Pest Control Product number)
  • Commercial pesticides used in industrial settings and on golf courses
  • Livestock and equine medications that are used on-farm (must have a DIN, serial number, notification number, or Pest Control Product number)

Materials not accepted include treated seed, needles/sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, and domestic pesticides or medications.

 

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator | lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

Cleanfarms Marks 15th Anniversary with White Paper on Circular Economy for Canadian Agriculture

This white paper outlines key strategies and opportunities to advance circularity within the agricultural sector, fostering sustainable practices and economic benefits across Canada.

Etobicoke, ON – September 12 2025 – Cleanfarms launched its first-ever white paper, entitled: Circular Economy for Canadian Agriculture—Better for Business, Better for Canada. It makes a compelling, evidence-based case for Canadian business owners in the agricultural sector to join a bold new conversation on how to transition from a “take-make-dispose” operations model and instead adopt a more sustainable, circular approach.

Launched as part of year-long events to mark the organization’s 15th anniversary, this white paper showcases Cleanfarms’ latest thinking on how Canadian businesses in this sector can fully leverage innovation to help close the gap in the circular economy value chain for agricultural plastics.

“The circular economy is both a challenge and an opportunity,” says Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “Bottle to bottle, bale to bale, bag to bag: the future of ag recycling hinges on all of us being wise adopters of innovative technologies and methods to boost efficiency and spark new profitability. This white paper opens a conversation on how to get there together in a way that’s good for business, good for Canada…and good for the planet.”

Barry added: “Not only does this white paper underline the importance of circularity to our collective future, it also builds on the foundation of what’s been going on in Canadian agriculture for the last three decades in terms of positive environmental stewardship.”

Learn more about the challenge and opportunity of circularity and download the white paper today: https://cleanfarms.ca/circularity/.

 

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

 

Media Contact
Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator | lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

Ontario Farmers: Unwanted Agricultural Pesticides and Obsolete Livestock/Equine Medications Events Starting in September

Unwanted and obsolete agricultural pesticides & livestock/equine medications(UPLM) being collected during a past event for safe disposal.

Etobicoke, ON, September 4, 2025 – Ontario farmers will have an opportunity this fall to safely dispose of unwanted and obsolete agricultural pesticides & livestock/equine medications(UPLM) through Cleanfarms periodic collection events. This program, offered at no cost to farmers, is funded by Cleanfarms’ crop protection industry members and the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI).

This year’s Ontario collection events will take place from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 26 (excluding weekends) at 29 locations across the province from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on each date at:

  • AMARANTH– Sept. 26 – Holmes Agro (Orangeville), 473088 County Rd. 11
  • AYLMER– Sept. 17 – Max Underhill Farm Supply, 7887 Springfield Rd.
  • BRADFORD– Sept. 19 – Bradford Cooperative Storage, 61 Bridge St.
  • BRODHAGEN– Sept. 15 – Hoegy’s Farm Supply Ltd., 6777 Perth Line 44
  • COLBORNE– Sept. 15 – TCO Agromart Ltd., 12944 Telephone Rd.
  • DUNDALK– Sept. 25 – Midwest Co-operative Services Inc. (Dundalk Agronomy Centre), 124 Proton St. N.
  • DUNDAS– Sept. 25 – County AG Services Inc., 1377 Highway 5 W.
  • EMBRUN– Sept. 18 – La Co-opérative Agricole d’Embrun Limitée, 926 Notre Dame St.
  • GLENCOE– Sept. 18 – Agris Co-opertatives Ltd., 211 McKellar St., Unit 213
  • GUELPH– Sept. 26 – Woodrill Ltd., 7861 Hwy 7 E.
  • HARRISTON– Sept. 24 – Midwest Co-operative Services Inc., 56 Margaret St. S.
  • HARROW– Sept. 24 – Hensall Co-op, 5050 County Rd. 15 (Marsh Rd.)
  • HICKSON– Sept. 19 – Oxford Agropro Ltd, 596222 Hwy 59
  • LINDSAY– Sept. 22 – Alliance Agri-Turf, 2134 Little Britain Rd.
  • LUCKNOW– Sept. 16 – Lucknow District Co-operative Inc., 86387 Lucknow Line
  • NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE– Sept. 22 – Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp, 1196 Irvine Rd.
  • PEMBROKE– Sept. 17 – M & R Feeds, 2768 Micksburg Rd.
  • PICTON– Sept. 19 – County Farm Centre, 38 Cold Storage Rd.
  • SCOTLAND– Sept. 24 – Scotland Agromart Ltd., 218 Oakland Rd., RR 1
  • SIMCOE– Sept. 18 – Central Ontario FS Delhi, 1161 Fertilizer Rd., RR 7
  • TARA– Sept. 18 – Sprucedale Agromart Ltd., 291 Yonge St. S.
  • THORNLOE– Sept. 15-26 – Temiskaming Ag Centre, 964027 Development Rd.
  • TILBURY– Sept. 22 – Hensall Co-op, 23404 Wheatley Rd., RR 3
  • TUPPERVILLE– Sept. 23 – AGRIS Co-operative Ltd., 17 Centre Side Rd.
  • VERNER– Sept. 23 – Co-op Regionale de Nipissing-Sudbury, 723 Gingras Ave.
  • WALKERTON– Sept. 23 – Midwest Co-operative Services Inc. (Walkerton Agronomy Centre), 1291 Bruce Rd. 3
  • WELLANDPORT– Sept. 23 – Clark Agri Service, 4891 Canborough Rd.
  • WINCHESTER– Sept. 16 – Agri-Partners Crop Centre Ltd., 667 St. Lawrence St.
  • WYOMING– Sept. 19 – Wanstead Farmers Co-op, 5322 Wanstead Rd.

Accepted materials include:

  • Unwanted agricultural pesticides (must have a Pest Control Product number)
  • Commercial pesticides used in industrial settings and on golf courses
  • Livestock and equine medications that are used on-farm (must have a DIN, serial number, notification number, or Pest Control Product number)

Materials not accepted include: treated seed, needles/sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, and domestic pesticides or medications.

“We know Ontario farmers are committed to environmental stewardship, and this program gives them a reliable option to manage these materials with care,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “Together with our partners, we’re ensuring these products are safely collected and managed.”

To find a nearby collection site and learn more about how to prepare materials, visit: https://cleanfarms.ca/materials/unwanted-pesticides-animal-meds/

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator | lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

Cleanfarms Celebrates Alberta’s Leadership in Agricultural Recycling

Showcasing agricultural practices in Alberta, a grain bag is efficiently filled on a local farm. Once empty, these bags will be recovered and recycled through Cleanfarms programs, highlighting the full-cycle commitment of Alberta’s agricultural industry.

Lethbridge, AB – August 27, 2025 – Alberta, where Cleanfarms’ small container recycling program began over 35 years ago, continues to demonstrate leadership. In 2024, the ‘Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle it!’ program delivered positive results, alongside the success of the Great Twine Round-Up Contest and with support of a new province-wide recycling awareness campaign.

Alberta farmers and ranchers have long embraced responsible management of ag plastics, which started with the voluntary collection of small pesticide and fertilizer containers in 1989. The 2024 ag recycling results show a stronger-than-ever commitment from farmers and ranchers, who recovered 1,480 tonnes of ag plastics through all Cleanfarms programs in Alberta.

2024 Alberta Highlights:

  • Grain bags: 548,000 kg collected, keeping large volumes of plastic out of landfills.
  • Twine: 100,000 kg of twine was collected in 2024, including initial results from the Great Twine Round-up contest —a first-time opportunity that focused on youth engagement and resulted in more than 600 bags of twine recycled overall.
  • Small containers (under 23L): 456,000 kg collected, up from 416,000 kg in 2023.
  • Non-deposit bulk containers: Around 31,300 units returned for recycling across the province.
  • Seed, pesticides & inoculant bags: 10,700 kg collected by farmers.
  • Unwanted pesticides & old livestock/equine medications (UPLM): Combined, 68,800 kg were collected for safe disposal in Southern Alberta. UPLM collections are also taking place this year in Northern Alberta and in the Peace Region.
  • Other ag films: 15,500 kg of bale wrap and silage plastic collected in pilot programs funded by the federal government and Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC).

Cleanfarms works closely with the Alberta Plastics Recycling Group (APRG) and industry partners to expand and improve recovery opportunities for farmers and ranchers across the province.

“Alberta farmers and ranchers have been recycling for over 35 years, and their contribution continues to inspire our work,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “At Cleanfarms, we’re dedicated to providing access to reliable programs that simplify farmers’ and ranchers’ days and support their commitment to sustainable management for farms and ranches, large and small.”

“Farmers want practical recycling solutions, and by working with Cleanfarms on the pilot, we’ve shown that grain bags and twine can be managed responsibly,” added Assar Grinde, cow/calf producer and Chair of the APRG. “As we look towards establishing a permanent program here in our province, we want to say thank you to the Government of Alberta for their ongoing support, as well as all of our other partners who are working to make Alberta the leader in ag plastics recycling.”

Building on the momentum of 2024, Cleanfarms with APRG is launching a new campaign this fall to share practical tips, program details, and success stories from across Alberta to encourage more participation in the ‘Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It!’ program. It showcases agricultural recycling, featuring artwork by Elora Kiddle, the 22-year-old Calgarian who won the 2025 Stampede poster competition.

2024 results clearly illustrate the Alberta agricultural community’s commitment to recycling ag plastics. With the provincial government currently gathering input on how ag plastics could fit into an Extended Producer Responsibility framework, the outlook for building even stronger, long-term recycling solutions in the province is bright.

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About 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 beef producers. It 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.

About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Media Contact

Margot Beverley, Director, Communications | beverleym@cleanfarms.ca | (877) 622-4460 Ext. 2231

Cleanfarms Reports Strong Progress in Agricultural Plastics Recovery with New National Collection Rates

From a bird’s-eye view, a Cleanfarms collection site showcases used agricultural plastics organized and ready for their next step in the recycling process.

Etobicoke, ON – August 21, 2025 – As Cleanfarms celebrates 15 years of supporting Canadian farmers in managing agricultural plastics responsibly, the organization is reporting strong progress with recovery rates nationwide.

Cleanfarms collected 10.1 million kg of agricultural plastics in 2024, a significant increase from the 9.2 million kg collected the previous year.

Based on a three-year national average, the collection rate for small containers (under 23L) reached 81%, an increase from 78% in 2023. Similarly, bulk containers rose to a recovery rate of 62%, up from 59%. Grain bags in Saskatchewan also climbed to 69%, continuing its upward trend.

“We’re seeing the results of strong partnerships and hard work on the ground,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director at Cleanfarms. “It’s farmers who are preparing their materials properly and bringing them to collection sites, site staff who provide the drop-off locations, and our recycler partners who keep these materials moving through the value chain that are making this happen, day by day.”

Provincial Highlights:

  • British Columbia: Cleanfarms collected 88,000 kg of material in BC in 2024, including 37,000 kg of ag chem containers, 38,400 kg of ag film, grain bags and twine, and 12,500 kg of unwanted pesticides & old livestock/equine meds (UPLM).
  • Alberta: Small container recovery increased to 456,000 kg in 2024 (416,000 kg in 2023).
  • Saskatchewan: Bulk container collection volumes rose to 50,200 units (up from 44,200 units) while grain bag recovery increased to 1.77 million kg (up from 1.52 million kg).
  • Manitoba: Small container collections climbed to 263,000 kg (up from 183,000 kg); ag film & twine collection reached 94,000 kg (up from 60,800 kg).
  • Ontario: Bulk container volumes increased from 4,560 units in 2023 to 4,940 units in 2024.
  • Quebec: Ag film & twine collection jumped to 2.3 million kg (up from 1.47 million kg), and maple tubing collection increased to 732,600 kg (up from 572,000 kg).
  • New Brunswick: UPLM collections reached 17,700 kg, a 12% increase from the last event in 2021.
  • Nova Scotia: Small container collection more than doubled to 14,700 kg (up from 6,800 kg).
  • Prince Edward Island: Ag film & twine collection increased to 101,000 kg (up from 67,600 kg).

Looking ahead, the Cleanfarms team is focused on reaching more farmers, expanding programs, and continuing to build momentum toward even higher recovery rates with materials that can be more readily recycled in 2025.

Find out more in our 2024 Annual Report

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About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator | lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249

Final Winners Announced in The Great Twine Round-Up Contest in Alberta (2024-2025)

Celebrating their dedication to agricultural recycling, the winners of the 2024-2025 Great Twine Round-Up contest gathered. Pictured (L-R): Representatives from Rocky South 4-H Beef Club, Hanna Rangeland 4-H Multi Club, Lethbridge Northern 4-H Beef Club, and a ranch in Special Areas 2.

Lethbridge, AB – July 30, 2025 – Cleanfarms is excited to announce the final winners of The Great Twine Round-Up contest (2024-2025), celebrating Alberta farmers and 4-H clubs that took action to collect and return used agricultural plastic baler twine for recycling.

The contest which ran for seven months, wrapped up on May 31, 2025, saw an impressive total of 660 entries and 33 unique participants across all categories. This strong community engagement resulted in the collection of an estimated 16,500 kg of twine, demonstrating significant environmental impact.

The contest featured two prize draws throughout the collection period. Prizes are distributed to winning 4-H clubs, and an additional independent entrant who will direct their prize to an Alberta-based charity. Participants who didn’t win in an early-bird draw conducted in January 2025 were automatically eligible for the final draw.

Let’s celebrate our final draw winners:

Individual Category ($3,000)

  • The individual prize was awarded to a ranch in Special Areas 2

4-H Club Category ($3,000 each)

  • Rocky South 4-H Beef Club
  • Hanna Rangeland 4-H Multi Club

Early-bird 4H Club ($3000)

  • Lethbridge Northern 4-H Beef Club

Every participant stood out for their commitment to sustainability, helping divert agricultural twine from landfills and ensuring it was recycled properly.

“This contest shows the real impact Alberta’s farm communities can make when they come together to protect the environment,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director, at Cleanfarms. “We’re pleased with the participation and proud to support these leaders in agricultural recycling.”

This initiative was led by the multi-stakeholder Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG), with funds granted by the Government of Alberta and administered by Alberta Beef Producers.

“The Great Twine Roundup was a success, both in terms of increased twine collection volumes but more importantly, in encouraging farmers to try twine recycling,” says Assar Grinde, cow/calf producer and Chair of the APRG. “Taking that first step, of putting your clean twine in a recycling bag rather than the garbage for the first time, is often the most difficult part. The strong participation from 4-H clubs and individual entrants shows the Great Twine Roundup is a model for how targeted engagement can translate into positive environmental outcomes in Alberta.”

The Great Twine Round-Up is part of Cleanfarms’ national effort to help Canadian farmers manage ag plastics responsibly. With the positive outcomes observed this year, the return of the contest in 2025–2026 would be welcomed, should government funding become available.

To learn more about ag plastic recycling programs and how to participate next year, visit cleanfarms.ca.

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About 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. It 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.

About Cleanfarms

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, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Media Contact

Catherine Lecomte, Media Relations and Digital Communications Coordinator | lecomtec@cleanfarms.ca | (236) 202-3580 Ext. 2249