CITYnews Halifax: Plastic reducing pilot project receives provincial funding

CITYnews Halifax: By Natasha O’Neill

Farms across Nova Scotia focused on reducing plastic waste will be getting help from an expanded pilot project run by a not-for-profit.

Cleanfarms helps farmers recycle plastics like hay bale wraps and feed tarps, and assists the industry in being more sustainable. The organization got $76,000 from the province for its project that has already been tested and seen results.

On Tuesday, the Agriculture Minister, Greg Morrow, was in Inverness County where three farms have been participating in the pilot.

“Farmers are the backbone of rural Nova Scotia,” he said. “Our government is pleased to support the Cleanfarms recycling program, which is designed specifically for the agriculture sector. The work will provide an economic benefit to farmers, help advance our circular economy and support a cleaner and more sustainable agricultural sector.”

The project gives farms a compactor to break down the plastic waste, which is then taken to a Cleanfarms collection site. With the additional funding, the organization said compactors are available to any Nova Scotia farmer who have hay bale and feed covers and want to be a part of the program.

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Drop-off stations are set up across the province, the release notes.

The recycling initiative helps divert tonnes of plastic from landfills across the country.

“We are happy to be part of this pilot project and to see some attention towards agricultural plastics recycling here in Nova Scotia,” Bruce Sutherland, Glendyer Farms Inc., said. “As farmers, we take pride in looking after the land we farm, and finding practical ways to manage and recycle agricultural plastics is another step toward building a more sustainable future for our farms and communities.”

Cleanfarms also has a pesticide container recycling and disposal program and a old livestock and horse medications diversion.

The money is being spent through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund that was created in 2021.

Waste plastic at Glendyer Farm
(Province of Nova Scotia)

Dairy cows at Glendyer Farm in Mabou, Inverness County