Northern Ontario Farms Get Ag Plastic Recycling

27 Metric Tons of Agricultural Plastics Compacted

Northern Ontario agriculture communities have compacted 27 metric tons of agricultural plastics.  

The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA), in partnership with the northern caucus of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), is proud to announce major progress in its Agricultural Plastics Disposal Program. Supported by phase two funding from the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRI) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), the program is making significant strides in reducing plastic waste from agriculture. 

To date, the initiative has added 10 new plastic compactors in just six months, bringing the total number of partners to 41. This growth has already resulted in the recycling of 59 compacted plastic bales, equal to approximately 27 metric tons of agricultural plastics.  

Thanks to the OAFRI funding, NOFIA is able to provide these compactors free of charge to farmers and producers, promoting responsible waste management across Northern Ontario. 

In a move to improve accessibility, NOFIA is now inviting municipalities to join the effort. The goal is to set up central plastic collection and compaction sites in smaller communities, helping agricultural, horticultural, and aquaculture producers who may not have access to on-site equipment. Interested municipalities and producers can learn more or sign up at www.farmnorth.com. 

The Township of Evanturel is the latest community to announce its partnership with NOFIA and the northern caucus of the OFA to establish a central aggregation site for agricultural plastics within the community. 

A key development in the program is a new partnership with Waste Energy Solutions and Technologies Inc. (WEST), a state-of-the-art recycling facility on Manitoulin Island. This partnership allows for a closed loop recycling system, ensuring collected plastics are processed and reused within the region. The program now includes horticulture and aquaculture plastics, expanding its environmental reach. 

“The expansion of our plastics project, with the addition of more compactors and municipal partnerships, emphasizes our dedication to creating a sustainable agricultural sector in Northern Ontario,” said Yves Gauthier, President, NOFIA Board of Directors. “The collaboration with the Manitoulin Island recycling facility is a testament to the potential for local solutions.” 

NOFIA remains committed to supporting rural innovation and reducing environmental impact through practical, community-focused efforts. 

Photo Credit: NOFIA