Bags & large tote bags

From May 1 to October 31, growers can bring seed, pesticide and inoculant (SPI) bags to the nearest collection site for safe disposal.

Follow these steps to ensure that your SPI bags and large tote bags are accepted and can be safely disposed of*:

  1. Get your collection bag – Pick up a free plastic ag collection bag from your seed dealer or ag-retailer.
  2. Empty – Ensure bags are completely empty. Do not shake bags to avoid dust.
  3. Place – Place about 40 small empty bags (up to 100 kg) in the ag plastic collection bag and tie at the end with rope or twine. Remove plastic liners from large, bulk bags or totes (greater than 100 kg, usually 500 kg or 1,000 kg) wherever possible and tie in bundles of six.
  4. Return – return to your collection site.

*Fertilizer bags are also accepted in Quebec and PEI.

SPI Bag & Large Tote Bag Resources

Ag recycling – it’s easy to do when you know how and the prep-steps really matter. Let’s make it 100%!

What‘s In & What’s Out

What’s In
  • All seed, pesticide & inoculant bags: small (up to 100 kg) or large (greater than 100 kg, usually 500 kg or 1,000 kg)
  • Fertilizer bags are accepted exclusively in Quebec and PEI
What’s Out
  • Feed bags
  • Fertilizer bags (excluding Quebec & PEI which accepts them)
  • Bags with remaining product
  • Liners from totes

FAQs

Even though the bags are empty, there could be some residue so this helps keep everyone safe. It also protects the bags from the rain and potential leaching in the soil and makes them easier to process.

The processors who take these bags have strict guidelines because they need to be able to see what they are processing and prevent damage to the processing machinery.  Five to six bags also make it easier for the driver to load the bags in the truck and transport them to the processing facility.

You can pick up collection bags at most SPI ag-retailers. Usually growers need one collection bag for every pallet of seed. Bags are provided free of charge.

Many independent sales reps also support this program by providing collection bags and bag collection services. Please discuss this with your independent sales rep.

Video

Cleanfarms wants your seed pesticide, and inoculant bags.

What Becomes What

Did you know?

This program started in Prince Edward Island in 2006 for pesticide bags only. Today, farmers across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces are embracing this new way to dispose of all seed, pesticide and inoculant bags.