EMPTY PESTICIDE CONTAINER RECYCLING PROGRAM

Conscientious farmers across the country are participating in this voluntary-led program,

resulting in the return of 83 million empty crop protection product containers as of 2009 –

one of the most successful industry-led recycling programs in the world.

The empty pesticide container recycling program encourages farmers, horticultural operations

and golf courses that use pesticides to return their empty pesticide containers, less than 23

litres in size, to one of over 1150 designated sites across Canada. to ensure the proper

collection and disposal of the containers, strict health, safety and environmental procedures

are followed by the collection sites, contractors and processors.

FARMERS: WHAT CAN YOU DO?

RINSE ALL containers must be either triple-rinsed or

pressure-rinsed before they are returned. The rinse-

water is then simply placed back in the user’s spray

tank, thus ensuring all of the product is safely used up.

REMOVE the container caps and booklets.

Removing the booklet allows it to be placed in the

paper recycling stream. Since caps are made of a

different material than the container, removing the

caps also helps ensure the recyclability of the

container.

RETURN ALL containers to the local collection site.

Thanks to your commitment, we are all doing our part

to protect our farms, our families, our health and

our environment.

THE COLLECTION PROCESS

CleanFARMS™ Inc. picks up containers at the

return sites, shreds them and transports the

material to various recyclers, where it is

manufactured into products such as drainage tile

for use back on the farm.

Containers should be pressure-rinsed or triple-

rinsed and the paper booklet and cap removed,

then returned to the collection sites. Just rinse,

remove and return. It is so easy, and there is

no cost to the farmer.

The success of CleanFARMS™ is thanks to the

commitment of farmers, manufacturers,

distributors, dealers and municipalities. Our goal

for the future is clear: CleanFARMS™ Inc. and its

members have committed to collecting 80 per

cent of pesticide containers.

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