Key Takeaways:
- Cleanfarms’ collection program for pesticide and fertilizer containers under 23L achieved an 87% recovery rate in 2023, a 17% increase from the previous year.
- Farmers across Canada are adopting new and improved recycling programs for agricultural plastics and waste materials.
- Cleanfarms collects a wide range of materials, including grain bags, baler twine, silage plastic, seed bags, and more.
- Quebec and Prince Edward Island have expanded permanent recycling programs, influenced by new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.
- Farmers are encouraged to visit Cleanfarms’ website for details on local recycling programs and proper disposal procedures.
Canadian Farmers Increase Participation in Cleanfarms’ Recycling Initiatives
Each year, more Canadian farmers adopt environmentally friendly practices to manage their agricultural plastics, packaging, and waste products. This shift is evident through Cleanfarms’ evolving collection programs, which provide farmers with opportunities to recycle and safely dispose of on-farm waste materials.
Cleanfarms, a national stewardship organization, is best known for its flagship collection program for pesticide and fertilizer containers under 23 liters (L). In 2023, this program achieved a recovery rate of 87%, marking a significant 17% increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend reflects the ongoing commitment of Canadian farmers to eco-friendly waste management.
“Seeing the collection rate for containers under 23L increase each year motivates us to keep working with our partners and farmers across Canada to offer new and improved opportunities to properly manage these and other essential agricultural tools after use,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “Canadian farmers, our members, and partners inspire us, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together over the next five and even ten years as we continue.”
Recycling Agricultural Plastics and Materials
Cleanfarms collects more than just pesticide and fertilizer containers. In most provinces, farmers can return empty seed, pesticide, and inoculant bags for recycling, in addition to the containers. These materials are collected at designated sites until the end of October, with programs resuming in Spring 2025.
The collected materials are recycled into new products such as drainage pipes and lumber that are often used back on farms, creating a closed-loop system for agricultural resources.
Other materials Cleanfarms collects across Canada include:
- Grain bags and plastic baler twine
- Large non-deposit totes and drums
- Silage plastic and bale wrap
- Empty peat moss, fertilizer, and animal feed bags
- Unwanted pesticides and old livestock/equine medications, collected on a rotational basis every three years
Growth of Recycling Programs in Quebec and Prince Edward Island
Quebec has been at the forefront of expanding agricultural recycling programs. New Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations enacted in 2022 targeted agricultural plastics, and in 2023, Cleanfarms (operating as AgriRÉCUP in Quebec) was named the province’s official Recognized Management Organization (RMO). Farmers in Quebec can now recycle silage films, plastic bags, twine, and maple syrup tubing at designated collection sites. Since 2023, Quebec farmers have recycled over 914,000 kilograms of plastic maple syrup tubing, diverting it from landfills.
Prince Edward Island has also embraced permanent recycling programs. After a successful pilot phase, farmers can now return fertilizer bags, silage plastics, and used baler twine to collection sites. These programs, introduced in 2023, provide farmers with consistent and reliable options for managing agricultural waste.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Sustainable Solutions
Cleanfarms continues to develop new recycling initiatives and operates pilot programs across Canada, aiming to capture agricultural materials that have yet to be incorporated into permanent collection systems. The organization’s commitment to waste reduction aligns with the goals of Waste Reduction Week, encouraging farmers to recycle their agricultural materials year-round.
Farmers are invited to visit cleanfarms.ca (or agrirecup.ca in Quebec) for more information on drop-off locations, acceptable items, and proper preparation procedures for recycling or safe disposal.
As Barry Friesen concluded, “Cleanfarms’ permanent and pilot programs enable us to work closely with farmers and collection partners to put in place tangible solutions that tackle a wide variety of materials essential to modern farming practices in our country.”
