Pilot project will recycle plastic farm waste in Kamloops area

Bale wrap and other bulky agricultural plastic can now by recycled through a Thompson-Nicola region pilot project.

The program will divert farm waste from landfills and repurpose the plastic, so silage covers and bale wraps last longer than a one-time use, according to a news release.

In a partnership between the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Cleanfarms, selected farms and ranches will have plastic compactors on-site with the help of $134,500 in taxpayer funds.

According to a 2012 study by Cleanfarms, BC farms were using more than 3,600 tonnes of plastic annually at the time. Almost two-thirds of that came from soft plastics like bale wrap and fertilizer bags.

Combined, agricultural plastic waste is roughly equivalent to around 55,700 British Columbians, who are estimated to use throw 65 kilograms into landfills per year.

The pilot program is funded through $134,500 from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, providing plastic compactors to selected farms and ranches in the region.

“This pilot is another example the at demonstrates how targeted innovation creates effective recycling solutions for the agricultural community in British Columbia,” Barry Friesen, Cleanfarms executive director, said in the release.

The addition of the Thompson-Nicola region follows similar programs already ongoing in the Fraser Valley and Peace River regions.