Agrimart: Cleanfarms recycling event was a remarkable success

The pop-up project held by Cleanfarms on July 13 was an enormous success and saw many producers bringing their grain bags and twine to the Moose Jaw Recycling Centre (MJRC).

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. producers could clear some of the used ag plastics off their farms and have them recycled. The MJRC had a total of 10-grain bags brought in and around 12 bags of twine.

The MJRC is still taking in ag plastic just not on that large of a scale. As long as you call in and make an appointment for a drop-off during operating hours, the employees at the MJRC will be happy to help you load them off.

"We actually started this a couple of months ago; this was just kind of a big way to start promoting it and start getting the word out to some farmers and people in town if they know anyone who farms. We take in grain bags, we take in twine, and we are starting a couple of other pilot projects," said Devin Kiryk, an employee who aided in the project.

The MJRC hopes to be able to throw these big ag plastic take-in events a few times a year, while still holding scheduled drop-offs. 

Cleanfarms, in collaboration with the MJRC, conducted their recycling event. This micro pilot is a five-year investment to help the agricultural sector change and remain competitive. It was funded in part by the Government of Canada through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities (CASPP) for $50.3 million.

The MJRC is a locally owned and operated business that aims to divert recyclable material from our local Landfill. The MJRC is also one of Cleanfarms collection sites for the SK Grain Bag Recycling program year-round.

Cleanfarms is a non-profit agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recycling agricultural and related industry plastic, packaging, and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication, and ag plastics industries. With a network of more than 1,500 recycling collection sites across Canada, Cleanfarms’ recycling programs enable farmers to keep valuable resource materials out of landfills and the environment. Cleanfarms has employees located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.

If you were unable to attend this event you can schedule a drop-off by calling the MJRC at 306-693-3867.

To learn more about Cleanfarms and its initiatives go to https://cleanfarms.ca/expanding-ag-recycling-in-saskatchewan/