Waste Reduction in Agriculture

Importance of Recycling

The agriculture sector creates an estimated 61,754 tonnes of single use plastic per year in Canada alone. This plastic ends up in our landfills, which leads to air pollution and groundwater contamination. Recycling waste materials is crucial for diverting plastic and hazardous substances away from landfills. Recycling also promotes a circular economy, which can stabilize supply chains, lower production costs, and create thousands of sustainable jobs.

Cleanfarms

Cleanfarms is a nationwide non-profit organization that works collaboratively with farmers, Agri-retailers, and the government. Their goal is to make waste management and recycling more accessible for producers and promote sustainable farming practices to contribute to a healthy environment. Their services include picking up recyclable materials, providing collection bags free of charge, and establishing designated drop-off sites for waste. They aim to be accessible to farmers throughout all regions across the nation.

Learn more here about Cleanfarms and Agricultural Plastic Waste Recycling.

For information on where to find recycling sites for farm waste, check the Cleanfarms map!

Plastic Recycling

The Cleanfarms program outlines some simple steps for recycling plastic bags and containers. The first step is to shake or wipe out any excess debris like mud, grass, rocks, etc. Then, small bags can be put in a Cleanfarms collection bag and tied off. Larger bags can be folded and tied together. Bags may then be picked up or dropped off to a Cleanfarms collection site, or your local recycling facility. At these facilities, plastic is reworked into pellets so it can be made into composite lumber, holding tanks, etc.

Chemical Recycling

Any unneeded pesticides or animal medications are highly encouraged to be recycled due to their significantly toxic nature. All containers must be placed in a spill-proof, sealable bag. They can then be dropped off at your local Cleanfarms chemical collection. These programs take place in each region once every three years. Just like the plastic recycling program, this is free of charge to farmers.

Organic Matter Recycling

Crop residues consist of all the components of plants left behind after harvesting. These residues are often seen as a waste product and may be burned or sent to landfills, which can be wasteful and result in pollution. Alternatively, crop residues can be used to create compost to return essential nutrients back to the soil. In turn, this reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can be expensive and environmentally damaging. 

Transfer Stations in Parkland

There are six transfer stations in Parkland County. Landowners in the county can dispose of household waste free of charge at these stations. To do this, you must provide your Solid Waste Disposal Card and a valid government ID. Visit the our Transfer Stations page to find out more about locations, hours, and an outline of what waste goes where.