Saskatchewan grain bag recycling to get a boost from CleanFARMS

SASKATOON, SK

CleanFARMS is gearing up for a busy 2017. In Saskatchewan, we have a new project underway to develop a province-wide industry-funded, recycling program for grain bags.

Currently, farmers have access to a government-funded pilot program which will continue until the end of 2017. The move towards a more permanent, industry-funded program will provide improved access and convenience to farmers.

One of our first tasks is to bring together Saskatchewan’s various farm organizations, municipalities and recycling and watershed groups by re-engaging the Saskatchewan Agricultural Stewardship Council (SASC) Advisory Committee.

The SASC Advisory Committee, a multi-stakeholder committee that provided input to earlier government consultations on ag plastics, will be asked to provide feedback as we prepare for a 2018 launch date.

Saskatchewan farmers and municipalities have recycled an impressive 2.5 million kilograms of ag plastics since 2011. In August 2016, The Agricultural Packaging Product Waste Stewardship Regulations were introduced, which requires stewards to develop a recycling program for agricultural grain bags.

This aligns well with CleanFARMS’ current suite of industry-led programs that help farmers recycle empty pesticide and fertilizer containers and manage obsolete pesticide and animal health medications.

We look forward to sharing our progress. Email us to join our mailing list or visit us at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities’ trade show this March.

CleanFARMS, Canada’s leading agricultural stewardship organization, is best known for its empty container recycling program and obsolete pesticide collection campaign. Learn more at www.cleanfarms.ca.

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