REGINA, Jan. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Consultations on an agricultural plastics
recycling program began today in Regina. Farm organizations,
municipalities, environmental groups, plastics recyclers and waste
haulers are being asked for their input on how to manage agricultural
plastic waste such as plastic grain bags, plastic twine, silage bags
and bale wrap.
The Ministry of Environment has contracted CleanFARMS Inc. to develop an
industry-led program to recycle agricultural plastics and has directed
the non-profit recycling organization to ensure that Saskatchewan
stakeholders have an opportunity to weigh in on possible outcomes.
"The Ministry of Environment is moving forward to develop regulations
that will require industry stewards to create an agricultural plastics
recycling program," Assistant Deputy Minister Mark Wittrup said. "This
stewardship approach is consistent with other successful industry-led
recycling programs in Saskatchewan, such as electronic waste, scrap
tires, used oil or waste paint."
Currently, agricultural producers have very few options available to
properly handle and dispose of these plastic materials. The move toward
this new program supports the Province of Saskatchewan's Plan for
Growth in the agricultural sector by looking for innovative ways to
reduce the pressure on local infrastructure.
"Recycling empty pesticide containers is a well-established practice for
many Saskatchewan farmers, thanks to an industry-led initiative, and
now it's time for other industries to follow suit," said Barry Friesen,
general manager of CleanFARMS. "Fortunately, we have a strong template
to draw from and a very engaged stakeholder community, both of which
will help form the basis of a successful program."
The Saskatchewan Agricultural Stewardship Council (SASC) made up of
representatives from the agricultural industry and formed under the
CleanFARMS umbrella has been tasked to develop and implement an
agricultural plastics recycling program.
The SASC has also formed an advisory committee that will ensure that
Saskatchewan growers, recycling organizations and rural municipalities
have the opportunity to provide input. Additional information about
this initiative is available at www.cleanfarms.ca/SASC/. The work of the advisory committee will conclude at the end of June
2013.
CleanFARMS is a non-profit industry stewardship organization committed
to environmental responsibility through the proper management of
agricultural waste.
SOURCE: CleanFARMS(R)
