CleanFARMS is working with Ontario farmers to find solutions for disposing of various on-farm waste. The agricultural waste recycler has established a pilot program for the disposal of empty seed and pesticide bags for farmers in southwestern Ontario.
The empty seed and pesticide bag pilot program, which began in May and will end in September, offers Ontario farmers a more environmentally friendly disposal solution for these bags which ensures agricultural waste is managed responsibly and stays out of landfills.
"We have conducted several waste studies to determine what type of on-farm, inorganic waste is still being sent to landfills," says Barry Friesen, general manager of CleanFARMS. "New opportunities and alternative solutions are being explored because of these studies."
Collection bags can be picked up from select agricultural retailers across southwestern Ontario. Before returning them, we ask farmers to ensure their seed and pesticide bags are empty and tied. All bags will be accepted, free of charge, and collected by CleanFARMS, where they will be transported to a disposal facility that recovers thermal energy and coverts it into electricity and steam for use within our community.
Farmers may return empty pesticide bags, including multi-walled paper, plastic and aluminum. Multi-walled paper and polywoven plastic empty seed bags are also accepted.
Collection sites are located at select retailers across southwestern Ontario. Attached is a list of participating retail collection sites, which can also be found at cleanFARMS.ca.
Funding for this pilot program is provided by CropLife Canada, the Canadian Seed Trade Association, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs through the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem.
