New fertilizer container recycling program for farmers launched

ETOBICOKE, ON, April 22, 2013 /CNW/ - A popular recycling program for farmers is being expanded to include new products.

In addition to accepting empty, clean pesticide containers, CleanFARMS will now also accept plastic fertilizer jugs and pails under 23 litres as part of its annual recycling program.

"Over the years we have seen farmers bring fertilizer containers into collection sites so we knew there was a need to expand our program. It's great to see members of the fertilizer industry step up and support this new initiative," says Barry Friesen, general manager of CleanFARMS, the industry stewardship organization that operates the program.

The empty pesticide container collection program was first developed almost a quarter century ago by Canada's plant science industry to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of its products. CleanFARMS, which is now responsible for the programs, is committed to helping farmers properly manage and dispose of agricultural waste.

"The empty pesticide container recycling program has had a huge impact in terms of keeping waste out of landfills and protecting the environment. The empty fertilizer container collection program will build on this," says Friesen.

Every year, approximately 4.5 million empty, triple-rinsed plastic pesticide containers are safely recycled into items that can be used back on the farm, such as farm drainage tile.

CleanFARMS encourages farmers to follow three easy steps in order to ensure the containers they're returning, including fertilizer containers, can be properly recycled. Farmers are asked to triple or pressure rinse containers to remove all product, remove the cap and label, and return the containers to the nearest collection sites. A full list of collection sites can be found at www.cleanfarms.ca.

"We've tried to make this as easy as possible for farmers. They follow the same preparation steps they're used to and simply bring their fertilizer containers along for the ride when they're recycling empty pesticide containers this year," says Friesen.

SOURCE: CleanFARMS(R)

visit www.cleanfarms.ca or contact:

Nadine Sisk
[email protected]
613-218-6063