Farmers United in Environmental Protection Initiative
Farmers are embracing a vital opportunity to contribute to environmental stewardship this fall through Cleanfarms' collection program. This initiative allows farmers across five provinces to responsibly dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock and equine medications. It represents a critical step in fostering healthier communities and protecting the land.
Cleanfarms' Commitment to Safe Disposal
For over 15 years, Cleanfarms has been dedicated to helping farmers manage their unused or expired pesticides and medications safely. The Unwanted Pesticides and Livestock Medications (UPLM) program is among the organization’s longest-standing initiatives, underscoring their commitment to the agricultural community.
New Developments for Collection Events
This year, the UPLM collection events in Newfoundland mark an important milestone. They will include the first-ever collection of used pesticide and fertilizer containers under 23L, catering to the needs of local farmers by offering an additional method for waste disposal. This change not only enhances convenience but also promotes comprehensive environmental responsibility.
Scheduled Collection Events
Farmers should mark their calendars for the upcoming UPLM collection events:
Event Dates by Region
- Ontario: September 15 – 26
- Peace Region (Alberta & British Columbia): October 6 – 10
- Northern Alberta: October 6 – 10
- Newfoundland: October 21 – 24
- Manitoba: October 27 – 31
What Materials Are Accepted?
The Cleanfarms program aims to collect a variety of agricultural products and medications. Accepted materials include:
List of Acceptable Materials
- Unwanted agricultural pesticides (with Pest Control Product number)
- Commercial pest control products used on golf courses or industrial sites
- Livestock/equine medications (with DIN, serial, notification, or Pest Control Product number)
Restrictions on Accepted Items
While the program is well-structured, there are some restrictions on what can be disposed of. The program does not accept:
List of Restricted Items
- Treated seed
- Fertilizers, diluted solutions, large quantities of unopened products
- Full and unopened jugs of adjuvant or surfactant
- Needles or sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, and veterinary clinic waste
- Domestic pesticides, fertilizers, and animal health products
- Other household hazardous waste
Community Involvement and Impact
Barry Friesen, the Executive Director of Cleanfarms, expressed gratitude for farmers' continuous commitment to environmental sustainability. He stated, "Farmers demonstrate their dedication to protecting the environment through consistent participation in the UPLM collection program. It offers a trusted way to manage materials responsibly, allowing them peace of mind knowing these products are handled with care."
The Role of Cleanfarms' Partners
Funding for this initiative comes from Cleanfarms' crop protection industry members and the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI). "The members of CAHI take pride in our ongoing partnership with Cleanfarms, reinforcing our commitment to protecting public health and the ecosystem," said Dr. Catherine Filejski, President & CEO of CAHI. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of proper disposal methods for unwanted or expired livestock medications, ultimately protecting animal health and promoting biosecurity on farms.
Measuring the Program's Success
In the last collection event hosted by Cleanfarms in 2022, the program retrieved a remarkable quantity of materials: 323,524 kg of unwanted pesticides and 9,656 kg of obsolete livestock and equine medications. Such figures highlight the program's significant positive impact on environmental preservation and community health.
Finding More Information
For farmers seeking additional information, maps, and details related to the collection events, Cleanfarms provides comprehensive resources on their website.
Understanding Cleanfarms
As an industry stewardship organization, Cleanfarms plays a crucial role in contributing to a healthier environment. They focus on recovering and recycling agricultural plastics, packaging, and products to promote sustainability in the farming sector. Funded by members in multiple industries, Cleanfarms is dedicated to serving communities across various regions.
Media Inquiries
For any media-related questions, contact Margot Beverley, Director of Communications at Cleanfarms, via email at beverleym@cleanfarms.ca or call (877) 622-4460 Ext. 2231.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cleanfarms' UPLM program?
The UPLM program, managed by Cleanfarms, allows farmers to dispose of unwanted pesticides and medicines safely.
When will the collection events take place?
Collection events in Ontario, Alberta, Newfoundland, and Manitoba will occur between mid-September to the end of October.
Are there materials that cannot be accepted?
Yes, treated seeds, aerosol containers, and certain types of domestic waste are not accepted.
How long has Cleanfarms been running this program?
The program has been helping farmers for over 15 years by providing a safe disposal method.
What is the impact of this program?
The UPLM program helps to prevent environmental contamination and promotes public health through safe disposal methods.
