Cleanfarms, Canada's not-for-profit producer responsibility organization dedicated to agricultural plastics recovery and recycling, released its 2025 Annual Report on May 12, 2026, highlighting a breakthrough year for circularity in Canadian agriculture. The report marks the organization's 15th anniversary and showcases significant milestones in recycling efforts across the country.
Record Recycling Volumes Achieved
In 2025, Cleanfarms achieved historic collection volumes, recycling 2.5 million kilograms of pesticide and fertilizer containers—a 13% increase over the previous year. Additionally, the organization managed a new high of 1.1 million kilograms of small and large tote bags. These results were driven by strong performances nationwide, with new collection records set in Manitoba, Alberta, and Quebec, supported by provincially mandated programs and industry-led voluntary initiatives.
Expansion of Recycling Programs
The report also highlights the introduction of small container recycling (under 23 liters) in Newfoundland for the first time in the fall of 2025. This expansion ensures that more farmers across Canada have access to recycling services, further embedding sustainable practices into agricultural operations.
“This is one of Cleanfarms’ best years to date,” said Shane Hedderson, Interim Executive Director. “It reflects the growing commitment of our members, farmers and partners across Canada to make recycling a standard practice on the farm. With a continuing focus on simplifying the logistics of recycling, what was once an agricultural waste challenge has been transformed into a viable communal resource for now and the future.”
Innovations in Closed-Loop Recycling
The report also showcases important partnership-focused innovations in closed-loop recycling. Notably, Cleanfarms has developed refillable container bases made from recycled agricultural plastic. This innovation paves the way for future developments in high-performance, recycled agricultural packaging, reducing the need for virgin materials and supporting a circular economy.
About Cleanfarms
Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization dedicated to a healthier environment and a sustainable future. It recovers and recycles agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging, and products. The organization is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.
The 2025 Annual Report is available for download in PDF format in both English and French at cleanfarms.ca and agrirecup.ca.
For more information, contact Margot Beverley, Director of Communications at Cleanfarms, via email at beverleym@cleanfarms.ca or by phone at (647) 557-1801.
