Cleanfarms Launches Baler Twine Pilot Program

Dec 15, 2020

Baler twine is a common item found on many farms and ranches, but it can be a challenge to dispose of.

A pilot program has been operating in Alberta and while numbers are not yet available Cleanfarms is pleased with the overall response.

With some collection sites already set up in Manitoba and Alberta, the program is now being introduced in Saskatchewan.

Kim Timmer, Cleanfarms Manager of Stakeholder Relations says they estimate about 1100 to 1300 tonnes of baler twine are used in farm operations in Saskatchewan.

"Farmers can just look online at Cleanfarms to find a collection site closest to them. We do ask farmers to give their collection site a call, just to double-check hours of operation etc. Then really they can just drop off their twine free of charge at any of the collection sites."

She notes farmers are being asked to shake off the twine, clean it up and put it in a collection bag, so they can find an end market for it.

"What we're really trying to do here in these pilots, is make sure that we're collecting twine in a way that we can find an end market for it, so cleanliness is really important. It's currently being recycled within North America where the twine is really pelletized and used in various applications."

She says recycled products include anything from roofing materials, to car parts and flower pots.

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Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

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