Great news for Prairie Growers!
Beginning January 2021, you can bring your used seed, pesticide and inoculant (SPI) bags to many Cleanfarms jug collection sites that are already operating in the province.
You’ve done this before!
This is the third year of a three-year pilot collection project that will help us understand how much of this material is available and best methods for collecting and managing it. Best yet, it provides an opportunity to keep another ag-plastic package out of landfill and work toward recovering it for recycling.
We put in on hold in 2020 due to COVID-19 but we’re bringing it back for 2021.
If you’re a grower in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or South Central Alberta, please help bring us your seed, pesticide & inoculant bags!
Collection site locations
This phase of the pilot will see more sites open across the prairies to collect your SPI bags. Our goal is to include:
- 55 sites through South Central Alberta
- 400 sites through Saskatchewan
- 111 sites through Manitoba
If you’re interested in becoming a collection site, please use our collection site sign up form in the green button at right.
Need to know where to drop off your bags? Maps coming soon!
For growers, in early 2021 we’ll add maps to this page so you can easily find out where to bring your SPI bags.
FAQ for Growers
How do I find out where to bring my SPI bags?
In early 2021, we’ll add maps to this page that will show you the closest collection site to your location.
Why do I have to bundle the bags?
This is really important for two reasons: it keeps them tidy and it makes it easier for you to transport them for collection.
Where can I pick up Cleanfarms collection bags to store my SPI bags?
You’ll be able to pick up collection bags at your local ag-retailer by early spring, 2021. We’re expecting growers will need one collection bag for every pallet of seed.
What happens to the bags when they’re collected?
Cleanfarms contracts with companies that collect the bags, then deliver them to an accredited energy recovery facility. They are incinerated at very high temperatures for energy recovery in a carefully controlled process. At present, they are not eligible for recycling in the same way as jugs and grain bags.
How do I return SPI bags if I receive my SPI direct to farm?
We expect that many independent sales reps will support this program by providing collection bags and bag collection services. Please discuss this with your independent sales rep.
- View December 1, 2020 webinar slides
- Direct to farm sales – want to know how to participate?
Contact Tammy Shields, Cleanfarms Western Region Program Co-ordinator, 306-341-4460 for this and all other questions.
Preparing your SPI bags
It’s important to bundle up your used bags before you bring them in for collection.
Smaller bags: place about 40 bags in a Cleanfarms collection bag (available at your local ag-retailer starting in spring 2021) and tie securely when full.
Tote bags (mini-bulk bags & super sacks): remove plastic liners wherever possible and tie in bundles of five or six
What‘s In? What’s Out?
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