CleanFARMS' new program encourages Ontario farmers to return empty seed and pesticide bags after they have finished planting this spring.

"Ontario farmers have been returning empty pesticide and fertilizer containers for decades. Now they can add empty seed and pesticide bags to the list of things they can divert from the landfill," said Barry Friesen, general manager of CleanFARMS.

This project is part of the agricultural industry's commitment to the responsible management of its products throughout their entire lifecycle and applies to all seed and pesticide bags. Like other CleanFARMS programs, the empty seed and pesticide bag program is run with no extra charge to farmers.

Once bags are returned to ag-retailers or seed dealers, CleanFARMS collects them and transports them to energy-conversion facilities with extensive emission controls.

"Free collection bags are available at Ontario retailers right now," Friesen said. "Once a farmer is finished with a seed or pesticide bag, they need to make sure the bag is completely empty, place it in the collection bag and return it the next time they head to a participating retailer. It's a simple process that can make a big difference for our environment."

Collections take place from May to September and a full list of collection sites can be found at CleanFARMS.ca.

Click here to read more about the seed and pesticide bag collection program.