Cleanfarms Pesticide and Medication Disposal Program
Farmers in New Brunswick will soon have a fantastic opportunity to responsibly dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides and outdated livestock and equine medications. Starting soon, this initiative by Cleanfarms is designed to provide an eco-friendly solution for farmers looking to clear out old stock safely.
Details of the Collection Events
The collection program will take place at ten local agricultural retailer locations across New Brunswick, running over a two-week period. This effort starts on a Monday and wraps up after the first week of November, making it easy for farmers to plan their visits.
Significance of Participation
According to Barry Friesen, Cleanfarms' Executive Director, participation in these events is crucial for farmers. He emphasizes the importance of having reliable ways to manage these materials, stating, "These events create a valuable opportunity for farmers to get rid of items that have accumulated on their farms over the years, and it costs them nothing to do so." Connecting with farmers allows Cleanfarms to understand their needs better while providing an essential service.
Partners Supporting the Initiative
This program is supported by the crop protection industry in collaboration with the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI). They are responsible for covering the expenses of both the program's operation and the safe disposal of the collected materials.
Environmental Impact
Cleanfarms has made substantial strides over the years; since the program's inception, they have successfully collected over 4.53 million kilograms of unwanted pesticides and 74,500 kilograms of obsolete livestock medications across Canada. This impressive figure highlights the effectiveness and necessity of such initiatives in promoting environmental stewardship.
Collection Event Locations
The Cleanfarms collection events will operate from 9 AM to 4 PM at various locations:
- Drummond – New Denmark Trucking Ltd.
- Florenceville-Bristol – McCain
- Gagetown – Appleman Farms Ltd.
- Hartland – Agromart Hartland
- Moncton – South Eastern Farmers Co-op
- Petit-Rocher – Chaleur Fertilizers Ltd.
- Saint André – Agromart Grand Falls
- Saint John – Halifax Seed Company
- Salisbury – Cavendish Agri Services
- Sussex – Sussex Co-op Country Farm Store
Accepted and Excluded Materials
Farmers should note what materials can be dropped off during these events. Accepted items include:
- Obsolete agricultural pesticides identified with a Pest Control Product number.
- Commercial pesticides intended for golf courses and industrial pest control.
- Livestock and equine medications used in agricultural practices, identifiable by DIN or Pest Control Product numbers.
On the other hand, the program has specific exclusions to ensure proper recycling practices. Items not accepted include treated seeds, unopened fertilizer, full jugs of adjuvant, needles, veterinary clinic waste, or any household hazardous waste.
The Rotating Nature of the Program
It's important to remember that Cleanfarms rotates the program across Canada every three years, with New Brunswick set to host collection events again in a few years. This system ensures that all regions have access to a sustainable way to manage outdated agricultural products.
About Cleanfarms
Cleanfarms is committed to fostering a healthier environment through effective recycling and recovery of agricultural plastics, packaging, and products. Funded by members from various agriculture-related sectors, their work extends across multiple provinces with dedicated teams in areas such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. This diverse team works tirelessly to support farmers and contribute to a sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can be disposed of at the Cleanfarms events?
Farmers can dispose of unwanted pesticides and obsolete livestock medications, but treated seeds and household hazardous waste are not accepted.
How often does Cleanfarms run these collection events?
The Cleanfarms collection program visits regions every three years, ensuring widespread accessibility across Canada.
Are there any costs associated with the disposal?
No, the program is completely free for farmers looking to dispose of unwanted materials.
Who funds the Cleanfarms program?
The program is funded by the crop protection industry and the Canadian Animal Health Institute, covering the operational costs and disposal.
When will similar events return to New Brunswick?
Cleanfarms will return to New Brunswick for collection events in three years as part of their rotating schedule.
