REGINA – A Saskatchewan grain bag recycling program is back for another year. The federal and provincial governments announced Monday they are doubling the funding in 2015 for the pilot program.
Last year, $100,000 was provided for the program. That has been increased to $200,000.
“By extending the pilot project, we’re giving farmers an easy and positive solution to continue to be excellent stewards of our land, air and water resources,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
Since it started in 2011, approximately 2.4 million pounds of plastic have been collected. In 2014, three-times more plastic bags were collected than during the first three years of program.
“The project is doing what it is designed to do and the increased uptake demonstrates the commitment of Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart.
Travis Quick, who heads up the program for Simply Ag Solutions, said it is having an impact.
“Our goal is to divert as much plastic from farmyards and landfills as possible with the help of producers in Saskatchewan,” said Quick.
READ MORE: Sask. farmers encouraged to recycle through pilot program
The Ministry of Environment is working on creating regulations to make the recycling program permanent.
There are currently 13 locations in Saskatchewan where producers can drop off plastic grain bags and twine: Cudworth, Hirsch, Humboldt, Kelvington, Macoun, Marshall, Milestone, Moose Jaw, Mossbank, Prince Albert, Rush Lake, Saskatoon and Unity.
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