Empty grain bags and twine can now be recycled in Alberta

Farmers in Alberta are now able to recycle grain bags and twine under a three-year pilot program called “Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle it”. This pilot project is led by the multi-stakeholder Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG). AUMA is one of 20 APRG member organizations, along with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta and agricultural producers and retailers, that secured funding from the Government of Alberta to operate the program and its collection sites. 

Year One of the program has 20 collection sites spread throughout the province of Alberta. These sites can help to recycle much of the 2,500 tonnes of plastic grain bags and 3,000 tonnes of twine that are consumed annually in the province. More detail on what items can be recycled, along with a map of collection locations and operating hours, can be found here. 

AUMA continues to work with other stakeholders to advocate that a permanent solution is needed at the end of the three-year pilot. We will continue bring forward updates regarding the pilot as new information is available.

For more information about AUMA’s ongoing advocacy around waste management in Alberta, visit our website.