Saskatchewan growers can recycle baler twine and other ag plastics in this pilot project!
Baler twine is a valuable tool used to wrap and store hay, straw and silage but at the end of its useful life, it can be challenging to manage. Disposing of it in landfill can result in the twine twisting around the wheels of equipment and disposal by burning or burying is detrimental to the environment.
Through this pilot project, we encourage Saskatchewan growers that use twine to bring it back for recycling at more than 30 existing grain bag recycling collection sites. The pilot will run for a three year period. Every little bit is needed in order to provide important information that we’ll use to design twine recovery programs that can be used coast to coast.
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.
Pop up collections to recycle bale wrap, bunker covers and silage wrap
With this pilot, we’re also offering pop-up opportunities to recycle bale wrap, bunker covers and silage wrap at various locations around the province. These are termed ‘micropilots’ and they offer special opportunities for growers and collection sites to test collection options for additional materials, for a limited time.
We’ll add new information about pop-ups as they are organized, and post on social media and local radio and/or print ads.
If your collection site would like to host a pop up – please email Tammy Shields, our Saskatchewan Program Advisor
Upcoming Pop up Events
Next events take place in April 2023. Please keep collecting your materials until then.
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. Please do not knot the twine. Twine collection bags made which included post-consumer recycled content with perforated holes in the bottom are available at no cost to producers and can be obtained from pilot collection sites. Contact your collection site office for availability. 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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FAQs
Can I use my seed or bulk tote bags as a collection bag?
Yes. Please note that the bag will be inspected to ensure that only twine is brought in to a collection site.
Do all sites collect grain bags along with twine?
No. Call your local site. Collection sites may collect grain bags only, twine only or both based on the types of farms in the region and/or resources/equipment available.
Why can’t I bring in my net wrap?
Recycling markets are not currently available for net wrap.
How can an organization/municipality become a grain bag or twine collection site?
Call Cleanfarms at 306-341-4460 to discuss how you can get involved.
How are the twine collections being funded?
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.
