Recycling Product News Logo

Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group receives government approval for pilot project

Pilot program to recycle grain bags and twine receives $750,000 in funding

The Department of Agriculture and Forestry has announced the Alberta government's approval of the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group's (APRG) pilot program to recycle grain bags and twine along with $750,000 in funding.

"Making agriculture more efficient and environmentally sustainable is a win for everyone. Not only are we tackling the longstanding problem of wasted twine and agricultural plastics, we're working with partners to find policy solutions that really work. This pilot program is shaping a move toward an environmentally sustainable future for our province," Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

The APRG will now work to implement the three-year pilot project and will determine the next steps forward including the hiring of a program operator to collect and recycle the materials. As it's rolled out, the plan will also announce opportunities for municipalities to host collection sites. The pilot includes market research for all types of agricultural plastics, a waste characterization study to determine plastic volumes and materials, surveys to producers, and education about the program. It is anticipated that the pilot will start in the Fall of 2019.

"We commend the government for their leadership in this area. We are thrilled to receive news of the pilot approval and know that we are now working toward viable solutions to collect and recycle grain bags and twine across the province," stated APRG Chair, Al Kemmere. "Our group of over 20 stakeholders has been focused on gaining traction on agriculture plastics management for two years and we're happy to be moving ahead."

Municipalities and producers can expect to hear more details about the program from the APRG as plans are rolled out in the coming months.

The APRG is a group made up of over 20 stakeholder organizations from sectors across the province representing municipalities, producers, non-profits, recyclers and retailers among others. For a full list of members and more details please visit this link: http://albertaplasticsrecyclin...

Company info

Box 23
Bluffton, AB
CA, T0C 0M0

Website:
recycle.ab.ca

Read more

Related Articles