In July, the Alberta government announced the intended launch of a permanent farm plastics recycling program but has instead renewed the province’s existing pilot project. The “Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It!” pilot program will start its next two-year stretch in 2026 with an impressive record.
Plastics have become a key part of farm life but the industry continues to grapple with the hefty volume of waste material produced. According to a benchmark Cleanfarms study released in August 2021, more than 61,700 tonnes of agricultural plastics are generated annually in Canada, primarily bale wraps and tubes, grain bags and net wrap. Approximately 10 per cent of the plastics are recycled, which is greater than the average of nine per cent for other industrial sectors.
From grain bags to plastic pellets to grain bags: that’s the circular vision of the many stakeholders behind the Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! program.
For years, Alberta Barley region four director Neil Gorda has trucked used baling twine and other agricultural plastics to his local landfill. Now he hopes a new pilot project will give Alberta farmers the opportunity to recycle spent plastics.
