Cleanfarms Celebrates 15 Years of Agricultural Recycling

Look, down on the ground… 15 years ago, no one was really talking about how much plastic waste farmers produce. Now, here we are, celebrating a milestone for a Canadian organization that’s been pushing to keep farm waste out of landfills and the environment. It’s not just about planting trees or making pretty speeches — it’s about real numbers: over 97 million kilos of waste collected, recycled, and kept from polluting soil and water. That’s a ton of effort, from grain bags to pesticide containers.

Celebrating Milestones and Moving Forward

And let’s move on. Cleanfarms isn’t just collecting waste; they’re building a system that actually works. They’ve hit recovery rates of 78% for containers under 23 liters and even more for pesticides — 87% in 2023. I mean, who knew recycling agricultural plastics could be so effective? It’s a sign of what’s possible when you focus on solutions, not just words. They’ve also teamed up with Aduro Clean Technologies to develop new ways to recycle the toughest plastics chemically — that’s innovation that could change the game.

Innovations and Community Impact

• Developing chemical recycling methods for tough plastics
• Growing the Maple Tubing Recycling program in Quebec
• Building partnerships with tech companies and local farmers

By the way, they also say that their Maple Tubing Recycling program is gaining traction in Quebec. That may seem small, but it’s a step towards a circular economy. And if you think about it, why don’t we ask ourselves if the U.S. could do the same? We produce tons of farm waste, and frankly, it’s a mess. We talk a lot about sustainability, but how much of that talk turns into action? Cleanfarms shows us that with the right partnerships and focus, it’s possible to make a difference.

BTW! If you like my content, here you can see an article I wrote that might interest you: Why the Oldest Organizations Keep Thriving Green and Why It Matters

What I find most interesting is that Cleanfarms’ work is rooted in real community impact — farmers, local businesses, and the environment all benefit.

It’s not about green marketing; it’s about practical progress. And honestly, I think maybe it’s a better idea to look at what they’ve achieved and ask: why aren’t we doing that here? Because the truth is, the barriers are mostly in our heads.

Key Takeaways

1. Real progress takes time and effort, but it’s doable.
2. Partnerships matter — whether with tech companies or local farmers.
3. Connecting waste and community health is essential for a cleaner future.

If we want a cleaner future, it starts with us, right now.

Got thoughts? Do you think the U.S. could replicate Cleanfarms’ success? Comment! We read you. And hey, check out our other articles — there’s a lot more to learn about how agriculture and sustainability collide in real life. Don’t forget: change begins on the ground.

Elena Ramirez

Elena brings to The Forest Blog a humble and sincere perspective on the changes that occur around ecology every day. She loves nature and therefore her care for it, but her real care, not allowing politics to break the reality of environmental care. Based on her extensive experience as a director of non-profit organizations and leader of social enterprises. Focused on the direct impact of ecological narratives on communities. Speaks to the human consequences and business impact that are often overlooked in official reporting, demanding attention to the real lives affected.