Farm waste collection in Strathmore

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

UFA Strathmore is teaming up with Cleanfarms on Oct. 24 to collect unwanted agricultural pesticides and livestock medications from local farms.
According to a press release issued on Oct. 15 by Cleanfarms, a non-profit organization that delivers recycling and disposal solutions to help farmers and their communities safely manage farm waste, the organization will hold collection events in 20 southern Alberta locations, including Strathmore to safely recover the farm materials.
On Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., farmers can take obsolete agricultural pesticides and livestock medications to the collection event at the UFA Strathmore at 58 Slater Road to be disposed of safely and responsibly, at no charge.
“We do have a lot of people that don’t know where to dispose of these things or maybe even don’t have the means to be able to do it, so it’s an opportunity for us to provide a service for our customers,” said Linda Stephens, UFA Strathmore manager.
Accepted materials include old or unwanted agricultural pesticides identified with a pest control product number on the label, and livestock medications used in the rearing of animals identified with a DIN number, serial number or pest control product number on the label.
Unaccepted items include fertilizer, diluted solution, large quantities of unopened product and treated seed, needles, medicated feed, aerosol containers, premises disinfectants and sanitizers, veterinary clinic waste and medications, ear tags and aerosols, or any other household hazardous waste.
The press release that states the project is run in each province or region every three years, and is funded by the crop protection industry and the Canadian Animal Health Institute and operated by Cleanfarms.
In 2016, Cleanfarms collected 79,400 kilograms (kg) of unwanted pesticides and 5,335 kg of livestock and equine medications from farmers in Alberta.
“It’s an opportunity to send a message to our members to say we are environmentally friendly and we promote everyone to go that direction. A company like Cleanfarms, they help us tremendously dispose of unwanted and obsolete chemical containers and livestock medications. It’s partnering with someone that benefits everyone, the environment and our members,” said Stephens.
For questions or concerns or to find out if your product will fit in the scope of acceptable materials, call 877-622-4460 or email info@cleanfarms.ca.