The health and safety of our partners and the farm community is always of utmost importance and particularly, during this difficult time.
To accommodate changing conditions, Cleanfarms is advising anyone (farmers, contractors) to call a collection site before visiting.
The New England Journal of Medicine published a study that tested how long the virus can remain stable on different kinds of surfaces and they found that it was still detectable on plastic and steel for up to 72 hours (but the amount of virus decreased rapidly over time on all surfaces).
Retail collection sites
When submitting a pickup request, include in the “Instructions to driver?” section:
- Contact name and cell phone number and request that the driver call before arriving on site
- Any site-specific safety measures in place
- The location of the materials for collection
For non-deposit bulk containers:
- If possible, load non-deposit bulk containers into truck on pallet with skidsteer to prevent the handling of individual containers
- A signature will not be required on the Bill of Lading at this time
- Where possible, allow larger pickup quantities to reduce the number of driver trips to individual sites (i.e., one pickup request for 20 bags of jugs vs. two separate requests for 10 bags of jugs)
Distribution of rolls of collection bags
- When requesting rolls of bags in the dealer request system, designate a roll drop-off area at the site to minimize interactions (BC, SK, ON, QC, ATL)
- Wear hand protection when ripping off individual bags and placing with outbound product
- Use one full roll of collection bags before opening another
Grain Bag/Twine/Municipal collection sites
- Continue to visually inspect program materials while maintaining a 2 metre distance
- Encourage program participants to properly prepare material in collection bags or in secured rolls to reduce time and handling on site during drop-off
- Collection bags for twine and jugs are available free of charge at ag retail/municipal/collection site locations. Growers should contact these locations by telephone for more information
Contractors/Transportation Partners
Practice physical distancing by:
- Avoiding requiring any signatures on paperwork (except where required by law)
- If signatures are required, use a personal pen and sanitize hands immediately
- Encourage employees to keep a strict 2 metre distance from others at all times
- Only assist growers to unload personal vehicles when necessary
Thank you for your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact Cleanfarms for more information: info@cleanfarms.ca or 1-877-622-4460.
Reducing Risk of Exposure
The following practices are recommendations that have been adapted from various health departments across Canada, which Cleanfarms is actively promoting. Please visit your provincial health department website for more specific information.
To reduce the risk of exposure, collection sites can:
- Ensure all individuals on-site use hand sanitizer and/ or wear hand protection
- Encourage all visitors to call ahead to confirm the delivery appointment and drop off protocols
- Prohibit customers and drivers from visiting sites if they are sick or ill
- Ensure drop-off area is visible and with clear signage.
- Avoid reorganizing materials unless necessary
In the Event of Temporary Closures to Recycling Programs, please ensure growers to:
- Store properly rinsed containers on-farm until recycling drop-offs resume
- Obtain a collection bag to make on-farm storage easier
- Check with a neighbouring collection sites to see if they will accept empty containers during this time
