The Great Twine Round-Up gives Alberta farmers and ranchers until May 31, 2027, to recycle used plastic baler twine, with four $3,000 prizes supporting 4-H clubs and an agricultural charity.
Alberta farmers and ranchers have another incentive to clean up used plastic baler twine this winter.
Cleanfarms, working with the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG), has launched the third edition of the Great Twine Round-Up Contest, offering $12,000 in prizes while encouraging producers to recycle used plastic baler twine.
The contest runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.
Farmers and ranchers can participate by collecting clean, used plastic baler twine, placing it in bags and taking the material to a participating Cleanfarms collection site in Alberta.
After dropping off their twine, participants take a selfie with their bag or bags at the collection site and submit the photo along with their contact information through the Great Twine Round-Up website.
Each eligible entry provides a chance to win one of four $3,000 cash prizes.
Three of the prizes will go to local 4-H clubs. The fourth will be directed to an Alberta-based agricultural charity selected by the individual winner.
Turning farm recycling into a routine
The contest is designed to encourage more producers to incorporate agricultural plastics recycling into their regular farm management practices.
“For the third year in a row, this contest recognizes what Albertans do so well: being responsible stewards of the land,” said APRG Chair Assar Grinde.
“This contest is a fun way for everyone to pitch in on helping to recycle agricultural plastics, and we are happy to be able to recognize some for their leadership in expanding the scope and reach of twine recycling in our communities.”
Participation in the first two contests resulted in farmers bringing in a combined 736 bags of used plastic baler twine for recycling.
Cleanfarms Executive Director Shane Hedderson said getting producers started with agricultural recycling can help turn the practice into a normal part of farm operations.
“When it comes to agricultural recycling, taking that first step is the most important one,” Hedderson said.
“Farmers brought in a total of 736 bags of used plastic baler twine for recycling during the past two contest periods. This third edition of the Great Twine Round-Up Contest shows how first steps quickly become habits: fully integrated farming practices that support environmental goals for the benefit of today’s generation and those to come.”
Alberta farmers have two opportunities to win
Producers who want an earlier opportunity to win should have their entry submitted by Jan. 31, 2027.
The early-bird prize draw will take place Feb. 8, with winners expected to be notified by Feb. 19.
Farmers and ranchers will still be able to participate after the early-bird deadline.
The final entry deadline is May 31, 2027, followed by the final prize draw on June 7. Winners from that draw are expected to be notified by June 14.
The contest combines an environmental goal with support for agricultural organizations in local communities.
By directing three of the four prizes to 4-H clubs, the program also connects on-farm recycling with organizations helping develop the next generation of Alberta farmers and agricultural leaders.
What farmers need to do
Alberta producers interested in entering the Great Twine Round-Up should:
- Collect clean, used plastic baler twine.
- Bag the twine for recycling.
- Take the bags to a participating Cleanfarms collection site in Alberta.
- Take a selfie with the bag or bags at the collection site.
- Submit the photo and required contact information through the Great Twine Round-Up contest website.
The APRG was established in 2017 to develop solutions for agricultural plastics. Its membership includes representatives from producer organizations, agricultural retailers, municipalities, waste commissions, academic institutions and recycling organizations.
In addition to plastic baler twine, the group has been exploring recycling solutions for other agricultural plastics including bale wrap and silage plastic.
For Alberta farmers, the Great Twine Round-Up offers a straightforward opportunity to move another farm material into the recycling stream while potentially providing a financial boost to a local 4-H club or agricultural organization.
Photo Caption: Participants dropping off bags of twine to take part in the 2025-2026 Great Twine Round-Up Contest.
Photo Credit: Clean Farms