The ‘Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It!’ program has been included in the shortlist for the 35th Annual Emerald Awards, presented by the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), recognizing environmental excellence across the province. The shortlist represents the top projects and organizations selected from this year’s nominations, highlighting Alberta’s impact, innovation, and leadership in the environmental space.
Now in its 35th year, the Emerald Awards are among Alberta’s most recognized environmental honours, celebrating the individuals, organizations, and projects driving meaningful change across the province.
About ‘Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It!’
Cleanfarms, in partnership with the Agricultural Plastic Recycling Group (APRG), is operating a multi-year pilot program to recycle agricultural grain bags and twine, with the inclusion of silage plastic (silo bags, tarps, bunker covers), and bale wrap (stretch wrap for silage and haylage bales) later in 2026. The project gives Alberta farmers the opportunity to sustainably manage these essential agricultural resources by keeping them out of landfills and the environment. The materials collected through this project are recycled in North America into new useful products, some of which end up back on farms. Since the pilot’s inception in 2019, farmers have brought in over 4.52 million kg of used agricultural plastics to be recycled.
“Being recognized on this year’s shortlist is an honour and speaks volumes about the dedication Alberta farmers continue to show to environmental stewardship practices,” says Assar Grinde, Chair of APRG. “The continuing success and expansion of this pilot project is a reflection of the growing desire for more sustainable solutions in local agriculture and communities, and we look forward to continuing working with our partners and farmers to keep more ag plastics out of the environment.”
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