Prince Edward Island growers can recycle baler twine in this pilot project!
PEI farmers are now able to recycle their baler twine, which helps improve the sustainability of their farming operation. Keeping twine out of landfills is a significant benefit to landfill operators as well because this material can twist around equipment and cause damage.
Cleanfarms is partnering with Island Waste Management Corporation to operate this pilot. Farmers will be provided with collection bags to properly store twine on-farm before it is brought to one of six collection sites across the island.
Farmers across Atlantic Canada will benefit from this work as it will provide important information that can be used to design twine recovery programs for regions that use relatively small volumes of twine and other ag plastics.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP), a $50.3 million, five-year investment to help the agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.
What is collected as part of this pilot?
Clean, dry twine that is placed in a collection bag.
What is NOT collected?
- Net wrap or netting
- Fiber twine (sisal)
- Nylon rope
- Fishing ropes and nets
Why can’t farmers include net wrap in collection bags?
- Though it looks similar, net wrap is made from a different type of plastic than twine
- No recycling markets are available for net wrap
- The inclusion of net wrap in a collection bag means that all material must be sent to landfill – that means none of it can be recycled
Can farmers use seed or polywoven bags as an alternate collection bag?
No, we need the bags to be transparent to ensure the material is recyclable.
Can farmers use alternate bags as a collection bag?
If the bag is strong and transparent, it can be used (e.g., no standard thin garbage bags).
Can silage plastic be returned as well?
While silage plastics is not part of these government funded pilots, most collection sites will accept clean, dry and properly prepared silage plastic for recycling.
All About Twine Recycling
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 clear collection bag and secure bag closed with twine or a zip tie, poke holes in the bottom of the bag for drainage. Please do not knot the twine. Twine collection bags made with post-consumer recycled content are available at no cost to producers and can be obtained from IWMC sites Producers who choose to use their own clear collection bags are asked to poke holes in the bottom to ensure proper drainage.
- Return – Please contact your local pilot collection site prior to dropping off material if unloading assistance is required and if you are unsure if you have prepared it properly.
What‘s In? What’s Out?
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IWMC sites also collects bale/silage wrap. Contact your local IWMC site for more information on this separate pilot.
