As Cleanfarms celebrates 15 years of supporting Canadian farmers in managing agricultural plastics responsibly, the organization is reporting strong progress with recovery rates nationwide.
Cleanfarms collected 10.1 million kg of agricultural plastics in 2024, a significant increase from the 9.2 million kg collected the previous year.
Based on a three-year national average, the collection rate for small containers (under 23L) reached 81%, an increase from 78% in 2023. Similarly, bulk containers rose to a recovery rate of 62%, up from 59%. Grain bags in Saskatchewan also climbed to 69%, continuing its upward trend.
“We’re seeing the results of strong partnerships and hard work on the ground,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director at Cleanfarms. “It’s farmers who are preparing their materials properly and bringing them to collection sites, site staff who provide the drop-off locations, and our recycler partners who keep these materials moving through the value chain that are making this happen, day by day.”
Provincial Highlights:
- British Columbia: Cleanfarms collected 88,000 kg of material in BC in 2024, including 37,000 kg of ag chem containers, 38,400 kg of ag film, grain bags and twine, and 12,500 kg of unwanted pesticides & old livestock/equine meds (UPLM).
- Alberta: Small container recovery increased to 456,000 kg in 2024 (416,000 kg in 2023).
- Saskatchewan: Bulk container collection volumes rose to 50,200 units (up from 44,200 units) while grain bag recovery increased to 1.77 million kg (up from 1.52 million kg).
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