RDOS Air Quality Pilot Project #06-014:

Recycling of Agricultural Plastics Funded jointly with: Agriculture Environment Funds: AEPI, AESI

Final Report

(a) Executive Summary (b) Background: The Ag-Plastic Recycling Process (c) Project Description (d) Project Activities Undertaken (e) Project Results (f) Conclusions and Recommendations (g) Appendix 1: Agricultural Plastics Recycling Template (h) Appendix 2: Recycling Contacts (i) Appendix 3: Research Trials (j) Appendix 4: Project Photos – See PowerPoint Presentation (k) Appendix 5: Silviculture Styro-trays

(m) Appendix 6: Island Twine Collection Report (March 2007)

Funding provided by

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

November 2007 RDOS AG PLASTIC PILOT PROGRAM

Plastic use in all sectors of the Agriculture industry has become a way of life. In most instances it has made life easier; however, disposal of these plastics has created a problem for the farmer and the communities they live and work in. Although not readily available in British Columbia, plastic recycling is on the increase and has proven to be an effective and cost efficient way of dealing with this growing concern. Burning and dumping are no longer an option due to air, land and water pollution. The main component of the RDOS (Regional District Okanagan Similkameen) Ag Plastic Pilot Program was to conduct trials on the various plastics and their suitable markets. The program identified and documented types and volumes of agriculture plastic materials using the 1-7 Plastic Resin Identification Codes. Most trials were successful in determining processing and suitable markets for the plastics. Methods were developed to separate, stockpile and transport the Ag-plastics to send to partners within the plastics processing sector. Other Ag-plastic recycling programs were also studied. There are three certainties; the waste plastic processing and plastic manufacturing industry is growing; there is an increasing demand for recycled Ag-plastics; and users of Ag-plastics are very willing to recycle. The RDOS Ag Plastic Pilot Program brings all three of these together. The program has been tested in the RDOS for recycling of large volumes of agricultural plastics. The program is in the final stages and has to date shown positive results. Mixed plastics, excluding PVC, can be turned into fuel. Since the program began, the RDOS has received enquires from companies who want to utilize waste plastic to convert to fuel or a gas to produce energy. This pilot program produced a template suitable for use by other British Columbia regions. The program will continue to provide incentives, information and media coverage for farmer and public awareness. In addition manufacturers will be lobbied to develop products that can be recycled in a more efficient manner. The project to date has kept 115,000 lbs. of Ag-plastic from being burned, stored on farms, deposited in landfills, or dumped elsewhere. That’s 115,000 lbs. of possible pollutants going into our air, land and water, which will now be manufactured into new, affordable products. The agriculture industry in the RDOS has responded with great support and now expects to continue to recycle their waste plastic. The project is considered a success by all involved and is a solid step forward to reducing pollutants, while positively contributing to the recycling of plastics and the creation of less expensive recycled plastic materials.

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The RDOS Recycling of Agricultural Plastics is a Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen initiative spurred by the agricultural industry. The RDOS wishes to acknowledge the funding support of the Agriculture Environment Partnership Initiative (AEPI), a joint venture of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia. The pilot was also made possible with funding support from the RDOS, and the BC Ministries of Environment and Agriculture. The AEPI is an Agri-Food Futures Fund program created to help the agri-food industry contribute positively towards environmental objectives. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries fund the Initiative through a trust agreement with the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia. The British Columbia Agriculture Council manages the AEPI.

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BACKGROUND: AG-PLASTICS and RECYCLING Plastics have become a standard and important farming tool in all sectors of the Agriculture Industry. They also create a serious disposal problem for the farmer and community and have been identified as a burden on landfill sites, a source of illegal dumping and a source of air pollution when burned. Convenient, inexpensive, environmentally sound disposal of agricultural plastics has not been readily available in the RDOS or other areas of British Columbia. It has been determined there is a market for recycled Ag-plastics and with the rise in fuel prices, the demand for recycled ag-plastics is growing. Agriculturalists have also shown a willingness to participate in the recycling of their waste ag-plastics. Considering these factors, it is appropriate that efforts be undertaken to establish environmentally sound methods of dealing with Ag-plastics. The ability to recycle plastic on a sustainable basis is dependent upon sufficient volumes being collected for processing, finding a market for the processed material and developing an economic model for recovery, collection, and transportation. Waste plastic is prepared, processed and extruded (usually in pellet form) by plastic processors. The waste plastic must be assembled in quantities sufficient to make processing economically viable and free of contamination. Plastic processors use various means to clean harvested material including washing, air pressure separation, flotation, and magnetic separation. If the plastic is kept reasonably clean then it can miss the washing step and be shredded or chopped and extruded into a pellet that is ready for use by plastic manufactures. Once there is a clean, marketable product, it has to be matched with a compatible use, which is dependant on the resin type and quality and then sold to manufactures. The waste plastic processing and plastic manufacturing industry is growing and includes utilization of ag-plastics and other industry plastics. This trend is not only a result in the rise in oil prices, causing the price of virgin plastic to soar, but also due to the increase in volume of plastics used in industrial applications, including the various sectors of the ag-industry. Because the demand for recycled waste plastic is growing and for the reasons listed below, there is strong reason to support a sustainable recycling program for Ag-plastics in the RDOS and other regions of BC: Ag-plastics are a standard and important farming tool in the agriculture industry.

♦ Agriculturalists are concerned with the disposal problems associated with Ag-plastic and have anticipated the ability to recycle the waste, as they currently do with cardboard and household plastic. Agriculturalists are concerned with the toxic emissions released into the air from the practice of burning plastic as a means of disposal. It is believed that those burning plastics are not aware of the toxic emissions released during burning and the negative health affects these toxins have on themselves, their family and workers and people living nearby

♦ When disposed of on site or dumped in ravens, ag-plastics can be a source of pollution. When disposed of in landfills, they contribute to shortening the life of the landfill

♦ There are significant volumes of Ag-plastic being used in the RDOS ♦ The RDOS curb-side recycling program for household plastic is successful ♦ Currently in the Province of British Columbia, no sustainable program exists

for recycling of large volumes of agricultural plastics but it is developing

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION Program Objective: To eliminate the burning of agriculture plastics and to eliminate the volumes of stored waste ag-plastic on farm land and in landfills by developing a workable regional collection and recycling program template for all agricultural plastics. The template will provide a framework that will be made available to other Regions in British Columbia to assist in the development and implementation of similar programs within their jurisdictions. Funding: The RDOS Recycling of Agricultural Plastics is a Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen initiative spurred by the agricultural industry. The RDOS wishes to acknowledge the funding support of the Agriculture Environment Partnership Initiative (AEPI), a joint venture of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia. The pilot was also made possible with funding support from the RDOS, and the BC Ministries of Environment and Agriculture. The AEPI is an Agri-Food Futures Fund program created to help the agri-food industry contribute positively towards environmental objectives. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries fund the Initiative through a trust agreement with the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia. The British Columbia Agriculture Council manages the AEPI. Components Involved:

• Identify and document types and volumes of agriculture plastic materials, using the 1-7 Plastic Resin Identification Codes. (e.g. ground crop plastic, greenhouse plastic, irrigation plastic, silage bag plastic, baler twine etc.)

• Research other Ag-plastic recycling programs (e.g. Washington State). • Develop means of separating, stock piling and transporting Ag-plastics. • Identify partner(s) within the Plastics Processing Sector to develop methods for

Ag-plastic recycling and coordinate the sustainable volumes required for economic viability.

• Produce a template suitable for use by other regions. • Prepare a final report. • Awareness and Education Component

- Continue to provide tangible incentives – such as waved tipping fees. - Develop multi-lingual information brochures, FAQ sheet, etc. - Media Campaign and direct mail out to the Agricultural sector. - Lobby Manufacturers to develop products that are more easily recycled. - General media coverage to make the public aware of the efforts by the

agricultural industry to support sustainable environmental practices.

Expected Results:

• Eliminate burning of agricultural plastics (reduction in complaints, enhanced air quality).

• Provide a sustainable plastics recycling program for the agricultural industry. • Reduction in volume of plastic disposed in landfill sites (prolonging landfill life). • Substantial volume of Ag-plastics re-directed towards resource recovery.

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• Delivery of Ag-Plastics to a recycling processor (source-separated as required, by 1-7 Plastic Resin Identification Codes).

• Provision of solutions to Agriculturist’s requests for agricultural plastic recycling. • Template with examples for other communities/regions wishing to develop an Ag-

plastic recycling program. Methodology: Simply Plastic Solutions, a processing and research company in Delta, BC that can utilize BCIT and UBC research facilities, was prepared to conduct research trials to determine processing methods, to code the various ag-plastic samples to the resin plastic identification codes and to source recycling markets. Samples of various types of Ag-plastic were collected, tagged and photographed for coding. Some samples were easily identifiable and coded while others required collection of a substantial volume to determine a processing method, code classification and recycling market. Once it was established that there was a company prepared to handle the variety of Ag-plastic waste and when a good percentage of the samples were coded to their resin identification, it was possible to determine and develop the sorting and collection method for the ag-industry plastic users in the RDOS. Information sheets, and media ads were then developed. Once the preparation work was complete, it was time to release the pilot program to the Ag-industry and the public.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Initial Research and Planning: Existing programs in the US and Canada were researched. Detailed material on programs was obtained and read. Phone conversations and a meeting with the operator of the Washington program provided more insight into the benefits and problems associated with plastic recycling.

1. On a general basis, ag-plastics were not found to be recycled anywhere in B.C. There are some site-specific programs operating such as the triple rinse chemical container return program to dealers. A twine collection program started on the island January 2007 (see Appendix M for report).

2. Plastic processors were contacted. Simply Plastic Solutions, in Delta was prepared to work with the RDOS Pilot Project on a fee basis and conduct research trials and to code the collected samples of Ag-plastics. A meeting at the RDOS was held.

3. Different types of plastics were used by all sectors. There is a resin identification code sheet available, with household plastics used as examples of each code – but not a Resin Identification Code Sheet for Ag-plastics.

4. Simply Plastics conducted the research trials and identified the samples by resin code.

5. The Trials determined not only the resin code, but the processing method and the economic viability for recycling that particular plastic as well. Processing includes breaking down the plastic by grinding or shredding and removing contamination by washing, air pressure separation, flotation, and/or magnetic separation. To determine the recycling capability (what the plastic would be recycled into) research was conducted into what type of product the plastic could be used for in its recycled state.

6. 50 samples were initially collected for coding. (Collect samples, document, photograph and chart). Once coded, photographs of the samples were filed by

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code, into one of the 7 Resin Identification Codes. (Note: there are also categories within each code that determines what the recycle plastic can be recycled into).

7. The plastic resin code of some of the Ag-plastics samples collected was easily identifiable. Documenting the collected Agricultural plastics helped to identify which Ag-plastics required research trials.

8. Once the program was operating, more samples of materials not initially collect were identified, documented and photographed each time a shipment was sent to Simply Plastics.

9. As a result of this process, we were able to simplify the sorting of Ag-plastics into 3 categories, film, rigid & twine. Ag-Styrofoam and other plastics not in one of the 3 categories, were problematic and dealt with separately. Later in the pilot a category was created for PVC as it was determined it best be separated from the other rigid as there was a lot coming into the collection sites.

10. Ag-plastics were to be bagged or tied in bundles for collection and shipping. 11. Determining what was to be used to collect and separate the categories and who

would hand out the Ag-collection bags and where filled bags would be dropped off 12. Recycled Super Sac bags were purchased at $2 per bag to be used for the

collection bags. (Pilot Program called the bags “Ag-Plastic Collection Bag”) (Later in the pilot a source of locally used super sacs were given to the pilot -1000 count).

13. Ag-Plastic Collection Bags were shipped from Delta to Terra-Link South Valley Sales in Keremeos and then shipped to the other 8 locations. Shipping costs and labour costs to deliver bags to all pick up locations added an additional .80 cents per bag. Local source bags total cost was .40 when including shipping and labour to pick up and deliver to nine ag-collection bag pick up locations.

14. Farm supply retail outlets (Terra-Link South Valley Sales) agreed to distribute the bags and store them until ready for distribution to landfill sites (collection sites for the sorted ag-plastics).

15. Municipal and regional landfills distributed Ag-plastic Collection bags to farmers and also received the filled bags or bundle tied ag-plastic.

16. A detail sheet describing the program was developed for landfill staff distributing the empty Ag-collection bags and program information sheet. A detail sheet was also developed for landfill staff for what to do when receiving the filled Ag-Collection bags or bundle tied ag-plastics.

17. A program information sheet was first researched and then developed and laminated (a photo of the ag-plastic collection bags filled was needed and Resources, Lisa Friend in Washington kindly donated the use of a photo). The Pesticide Return Program and an educational sheet on the hazards of burning garbage (plastics) were attached to the RDOS program information sheet. The information sheet was laminated so that farmers could tack it up outside where the plastic is used. Information sheets were distributed at the November 2006 Horticultural Show, at each Ag-plastic collection bag picks up, at the RDOS office and Municipal Offices and at Terra Link South Valley Sales. Media material was written and distributed. There was not sufficient time for translating the program information in other languages.

18. Stakeholders and their contacts for the various sectors (Ag-organizations) were identified; tree fruit growers, silviculture, ground crop growers, ranchers, nurseries, fruit stands, poultry farms, grape growers, wineries.

19. Temporary signage was developed for each landfill to help identify the sorting stations and program sponsors. They were delivered to each of the seven landfills along with the empty ag-plastic collection bags. Drop of locations at each landfill were determined. At this time landfill staff was given the written detailed information sheets, a comment sheet and the program information sheet. Time was spent with landfill staff explaining the program. Permanent signage was developed later in the program as well as a tip sheet on using the empty ag-collection bag.

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20. Provincial Conservation officers working in the RDOS area were contacted and made aware of the program. They agreed to promote the program when conducting education or investigating reports of illegal burning. In May 2007 through to December, officers from the BC Conservation Corps Program distributed door to door, throughout the RDOS, to the agricultural community information on the ag-plastic recycling pilot program along with other air quality information.

21. Some farm gate pick ups were conducted. Most agriculturalists delivered sorted bagged or bundle tied ag-plastic to their collection site (area landfill).

22. Once the filled ag-plastic collection bag and or bundle tied ag-plastics were received at each landfill, various shipping alternatives for collection of the material from the six landfills to one central landfill were tried. Later in the pilot, sufficient volumes warranted pick up from each landfill. Purchasing a baler was looked into and decided at this time not to pursue because of the added expense to purchase baler, set up and labour to bale.

23. The first shipment of ag-plastics was shipped to the processor in Delta in January. At that time Pilot Project Coordinator also traveled to Delta to view the unloading and to meet with the processor for two days and with evening meetings, to check codes, record volumes, review charts, discuss logistics and tour recycling sites. Ministry of Agriculture staff member was present for the first day, and attended the tour. Difficulties were discussed along with how to overcome those difficulties. A meeting was also held with Washington ag-plastic program coordinator Lisa Friend in White Rock BC.

24. First shipment of waste ag-plastic to Vancouver was sent Jan 23rd, 2007 with 14 more subsequent shipments for a total of approximately 115,000lbs. 25. Different size flat bed trailers with kit sides were tried. Deliver Project Information to Stakeholders and the Public: The Project Coordinator’s direct phone number was advertised for quick response to questions and concerns. The “Triple Rinse Chemical Container Return Program” was promoted and clearly identified as a separate program, as was the “Return Unwanted Chemical Collection Program” that took place mid November, 2006. 1) Develop Print Material:

Developed an Ag-Plastic Recycling Pilot Project – Practicing Safe Plastic Management sheet, printed in color and laminated. The sheet was laminated for two reasons: to give the program a professional look and so the sheet could be hung inside or outside a shed or workshop for easy reference (800 copies were laminated). In 2007 an updated information sheet was developed and printed on heavier paper rather than laminated.

Developed an Agricultural Plastic Recycling Information sheet for those at the collection sites.,

2) Set up landfills for receiving

Developed temporary signage for landfill sites. Format and color choices consistent with Information sheet. Permanent signage was developed later.

Set up temporary sorting stations at each landfill. Ag-plastics could be brought to the landfills either bagged or tied in bundles. Permanent stations set up later.

3) Develop Media Campaign:

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Radio, newspaper (ads, and news releases) announcing program followed by reminders that the program was active.

At the end of the pilot, release information on its success and announce RDOS’s commitment to continue the program

Attended Horticultural Trade Show, set up a booth that generated much interest from farmers of all cultures. Distributed Ag-plastic collection bags and information sheet.

Attend Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual General Meeting in Rock Creek. Distribute information via e-mail through farmer Associations. Many farmers on

dial-up internet so text only was distributed by E-mail to the Associations. E-mail outreach was useful when more volumes of specific Ag-plastics were

needed for trials. Stored or recently used ag-plastics at farm sites were then brought to the landfill site.

Information sheet was to be translated into another language, but the timing was not sufficient. There was also some concern this might appear to be directing the program. Discussion on whether or not it was better to do translation sheet, or reach other language groups through their gathering place. It was decided to do outreach via the BC Conservation Corps program when the officers were visiting agriculturalists in the RDOS door to door.

Collection & Shipping:

Research – backhauls –various means of shipping and coordinating shipping.

1) Order Collection bags: Ship from source to retail store and then to landfill collection sites. Terra Link

South Valley Sales have a retail outlet in the Similkameen and in Oliver making it easier for agriculturalists to pick up Ag-Collection Bags and to efficiently transport Ag-plastic collection bags to various landfills.

Holes in bottom of bags concerned farmers at the beginning of the pilot. This was resolved by asking farmers to cover the holes if the waste was going to fall out but generally the hole was not a problem.

760 bags were ordered at the start of the pilot and delivered on four pallets. Bags on three of the four pallets were moldy and rusted (second shipment of bags

were cleaner). Later a local source of used super sacs was distributed (1000 bags). The bags

had a large tie opening at the top and a small tie opening at the bottom which was preferable to the previous bags.

2) Transporting filled Collection Bags:

Most farmers delivered filled bags to landfill sites with no complaints. Some farmers did not have suitable transportation. Farm gate pick up service was tried resulting in the use of a one-tonne rental

enclosed moving truck proving to be the most cost effective for farm gate pickup of multiple filled bags.

Recommend that farm gate pick up similar to the bulky item pickup be implemented

Timing for farm gate pick up: Ground crop growers: end of OCT Ranching: end of March Silviculture: two dates January (finish packing trees) March (soil preparations)

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Nursery: end of October. Dates vary from the north of the RDOS to the south

3) Collecting Sorted filled Ag-plastic collection bags and bundle tied Ag-plastics from Landfills and then ship to one central landfill for shipment to processor for trials.

Various shipping methods were tested; privately owned shipping, corporate shippers, using RDOS vehicles, and renting Budget one-tonne trucks. Budget rental was the most efficient in terms of time and cost. (Shipping to a central landfill for shipment to processor was done in the beginning of the pilot as materials were needed for the trials. Later however each collection site, because of volumes collected were shipped directly to processor and therefore less handling of ag-plastics)

4) Shipping to Plastic Processor.

Hiring a local hauler was the most cost efficient as they would have back hauls after delivering ag-plastic to processor. Private haulers are willing to help with the loading while drivers with companies will not. Landfills do not always have equipment available to load the bags and therefore in the beginning of the pilot local help was hired to lift the waste ag-plastic into the shipping truck. Some filled bags were heavy enough to require two or three people to load it. For the Ag-plastic collection bags that were too heavy, they were left and when there were sufficient heavy bags for a load of its own, a loader with a bucket was hired to lift the multiple heavy bags.

Fifteen loads, a total of approximately 115,000lbs were taken to the Plastic Processor. For hauling bulk plastic the longer the flat deck the more economical the shipping (20ft - $600 – 6600lbs, 43 foot - $900 – 17,000lbs)

In the winter months some bags froze to the ground. Sorting stations at landfills should not be situated on in a muddy area. Most landfills had wood chips on the ground.

Forklift equipment can be leased on an occasional basis, this has been done in the past when RDOS was looking after the recycling of cardboard.

To maximize shipping efficiency, film plastic would be better bailed. If bailing is not an option then shipping bulk is okay as it can pack down when a loader is used as the bucket can push down on the load and then heavier bags placed on top.

Ag-plastic must be stored in a place where exposure to sun and rain will not degrade the product, which is critical for retaining its value in the recycling market.

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Equipment Researched: (To bale or grind?) Baler

1) Maximize shipping space:

A vertical baler, baling to 1000lb bales, 6x5, is the most efficient way to ship film plastic. A information sheet on Bailers is attached (See Appendix 1-Template, Folder F).

Economy of scale: shipping larger amounts is more economical per unit. Could be best to hire local companies that already have the required size bailers. If their equipment needs upgrading, a partnership could be explored where cost of

upgrading equipment is an exchange for a reduction in baling fee or

hire a contractor to collect and bale, and ship. Many landfills already hire contractors to ship out items for recycling such as steel.

Wood Waste Grinder and Wood Waste Chipper To try and reduce rigid plastic volumes for a more cost effective shipment a wood waste grinder and wood waste chipper were experimented with.

The wood waste chipper worked well slicing cold, heavier film plastic. If plastic is warm it will make a mess in the machine and the machine clogs. Bailed plastic is easier to ship than shredded plastic.

1) The wood waste grinder ground irrigation tubing successfully:

The experiment ground irrigation tubing into ½ inch chucks. Tubing had to be straightened to feed it into the machine. Better knives are needed and the company is working on the technology. The company Vermeer generously donated time to trial the grinding of irrigation

tubing (none PVC). A local chipping company tried chipping the PVC pipe and according to the

operator it worked well. The size chipped was about 1.5”. The Processor for waste plastic is usually set up to grind, chop, shred plastics such as irrigation tubing and various types of film plastic and therefore for now it is best that materials are shipped in bulk to the processor. The Processor would like irrigation tubing to be tied into bundles, put on a pallet and stretch wrapped. This would require a forklift to load the pallets for shipment. For the RDOS pilot, bundle tied irrigation tubing shipped loose in bulk worked well as a forklift was not readily available and we did not want to utilize more plastic. Shipping bulk bundle tied loose was fine with the processor.

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PROJECT RESULTS

1. The Ag-plastics collected were successfully coded to and documented by photograph to one of the seven resin identification plastic codes.

2. Seven codes were narrowed to three categories for ease of sorting - rigid, film

and twine. Those utilizing other plastic such as Styrofoam were to call for more details. Later in the pilot another category was created, PVC so as to keep it separated from the black irrigation poly tube as sufficient volumes warranted this.

3. Plastics were to be bundle tied or bagged. In the beginning of the pilot irrigation

tubing came in bulk and not tied. Later in the pilot, growers were bundle tieing black irrigation tubing in rounds which made loading efficient. Some growers took the time to cut tubing in lengths and tie into bundles.

4. All media and information sheets were distributed with wording and images

consistent. Farmers appreciated the laminated information sheets. It is important to laminate information sheets or print on heavier paper (24lb or 28lb) if not laminating. Printing paper needs to be for color printing rather than the all purpose paper as the colors are crisper giving the information sheet a professional look.

5. Enough volumes were collected for the identified trials.

6. Agriculturalists concerns with proper waste Ag-plastic disposal were

demonstrated during the pilot. In the first four loads, a cross section of farmers delivered 30,000 lbs of a sorted variety of Ag-plastics to the landfill collection sites (175 filled collection bags plus bundle tied film and irrigation tubing). Only 2 bags were contaminated (lunch bag and leftovers, pop can,) and one dump of film plastic that was neither bagged or bundle tied was left at a collection site. Some farmers sorted the different types of film plastic by placing each kind to one side in the Ag-plastic collection bag.

7. Baling twine, was returned for recycling. Most collection sites came in very clean

with one bag containing lots of straw. A rancher in the Similkameen area had an ag-plastic collection bag out in the open where ranch hands could deposit twine after use. The twine was exceptionally clean which reduces the processing costs for recycling. In one area though, much bale twine was buried for it was too contaminated to send to the processor. Staff at collection sites takes names and phone numbers of those needing more information on correct sorting. Program coordinator than follows up and results have been good.

8. In early 2007, 25 full bags of silage wrap were delivered to the landfill,

demonstrating ranchers will use the program. The silage wrap was collected and bagged when it was cut resulting in little contamination and creating an acceptable product the processor can utilize. One load of silage wrap was delivered and dumped in bulk which created more labor to pick up and bag. The hauler was contacted and now that he is aware of the specifics of the program, he will accommodate.

9. There was miscommunication at one of the seven landfills and ranchers had

trouble accessing the ag-plastic collection bags to take home. This was resolved after the complaint was received to the RDOS.

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10. It was determined that ag-plastics must be bagged or bundle tied when delivered

to the landfill. Sorted ag-plastics that were piled and not bundle tied or bagged created hours of labour to untangle and bag or bundle tie.

11. It is important that landfill operators ensure that the ag-plastic stations be

monitored and clean up immediately or at closing if other items are dumped or if ag-plastics are not bundle tied or bagged. Once the landfill collection sites for ag-plastic were set up the problems arising were minimal.

12. When ag-plastic is brought into the landfill (collection site), it is important that the

landfill attendants take time to ensure growers are aware of the program and that ag-plastics are bundle tied or bagged. It is also important to let the agriculturalists know that chemical containers are a separate program and must be cleaned and returned to the dealer and is not to be dumped in the landfill or recycled with the other ag-plastics. A small amount of chemical containers have been dumped in the ag-plastic station. Some ag-plastics were brought in not tied or bagged but as the program processed this happen less frequently.

13. Before the ag-plastic collection bags were used there was a concern with the

holes (cut slit) in the bottom of the bag. The only plastic that posed a slight problem was the irrigation t-tape where parts of it snaked out of the bottom. It was suggested at the beginning of the pilot to line the bottom with cardboard or another bag if the hole was too big. Some of the Ag-plastic bags were tossed as the hole was too large. The processor was contacted and the holes have not posed a problem for their collection and only posed a slight problem a couple of times during the pilot. Later in the pilot a local source on used super sacs was obtained and a one-ton truck was rented to pick up the 1000 bags to distribute to all the bag pick up sites. The contractor was happy to get rid of the bags. The bags also had a hole in the bottom but with ties that could be tied shut rather than a slit like the previous bags.

14. This pilot project thus far has resulted in 115,000 lbs of Ag-plastic not being

burned, stored on farms, deposited in landfills, or dumped elsewhere. More accurate volumes can be determined when the program has run for a few years.

15. Most agriculturalists were able to deliver with their own equipment their sorted

plastic to the landfills. Some wanted to participate but the expense of hiring a shipping company to ship a few filled bags was cost prohibited. Various farm gate pickups were explored with the rental of a one-tonne enclosed budget truck resulting as the most economical and because of the size of the truck, allowed for multiple pick-ups.

16. Various shipping methods were tried to gather sorted plastics from landfills to

move to central landfill for shipment to processor in Delta. For the purpose of the pilot the rental of a one-tonne moving truck was the most economical. Once the program is established it would be more cost effective and less handling of collection material to hire a contractor to visit each landfill when there are sufficient volumes to ship directly to the processor rather than transporting and unloading at the central landfill.

17. To reduce shipping costs to the processor, shipping was arranged when there

was a back haul coming back from the processor. For hauling bulk plastic the longer the flat deck the more economical the shipping (20ft - $600 – 6600lbs, 43 foot - $900 – 17,000lbs). At this time shipping bulk was more economical than baling.

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18. It is difficult for one person to load the heavier filled Ag-plastic collection bags. In some instances three people were needed to lift. A backhoe or front-end loader with bucket was thought best for loading rather than a forklift. The bucket would compact the load by pushing down on it whereas a forklift could not. Heavy bags were left until sufficient volumes warranted the hiring of a backhoe with a bucket.

19. A working relationship was established with the plastic processor Simply Plastic

Solutions in Delta BC. Simply Plastic Solutions was willing to look at markets, code and run the necessary trials for all ag-plastics not just one or two types. Simply Plastics expanded their warehouse processing facility in February and March resulting in a delay on the trials, but can now process more efficiently.

20. Throughout the pilot new contacts were developed for other processors of ag-

plastics in Washington State and in BC. A more recent washing facility has opened in Maple Ridge and they are looking for specific ag-plastics to utilize.

21. There is a bale twine collection program called “Twine to recycle” that started in

January 2007 on Vancouver Island. Twine is kept clean when bagged into garbage bags and if not volunteers sort out the straw. There is 20 drop off locations. The volunteer then picks up from each location and delivers the twine to Genesis Recycling (an e-waste recycler (electronic). Insight and activity on the RDOS pilot was forwarded to the coordinator of the “Twine” program. Funding requests to expand the island collection were successful. Report on the early Island twine activity before funding request is attached. (see Appendix M)

22. RDOS has received enquires from companies who want to utilize waste plastic to

convert to fuel or to convert to a gas to produce energy. If the technology is clean and is a go, they do not need the plastics sorted as they can utilize mixed plastics. PVC would not be included. White PVC did have a market in Washington State and it is hoped it will open up again. There are however recent markets developing in BC. Colored PVC is problematic and Simply Plastics has had discussions with the manufactures to encourage a change in product make up.

23. Positive discussion between the Project coordinator, RDOS Air Quality

Committee, Solid Waste Coordinators, landfill staff, farmers, conservation officers, the media and others was developed and sets the stage to further develop the program and continue its successes.

24. The education program about the hazards of burning plastic has benefited

farmers and the general public. This should increase the general public’s willingness to participate in the household plastic recycling program as well as the Ag-plastic recycling program. A door-to-door awareness program in rural areas of the RDOS and in farming communities within municipal boundaries began June 1, 2007 and will run through to mid December. Students are delivering door to door the Ag-plastic information sheet as well as other air quality information. An Air Quality reference guide along with information on the Ag-plastic recycling program will be mailed to the residents of the RDOS. The program is primarily funded by the BC Conservation Corps. The Ministry of Environment, BC Lung Association and the RDOS have also funded the program. Provincial Conservation Officers stated there is less burning of prohibited materials than the previous year.

25. There is a viable market for recycling most waste Ag-plastic and this market has

increased since the start of the pilot and is expected to keep increasing.

26. The agriculture industry in the RDOS IS supportive and will now expect to be able to continue to recycle their waste plastic. The RDOS Directors have received good feedback from the public and farmers and have voted to budget monies so

15

that the recycling of Ag-plastic program can continue upon completion of the pilot. An updated Ag-plastic information sheet was created and distributed to state to the industry that the program will continue after the pilot.

27. Some items are difficult to bundle or put into bags. Research is ongoing.

o Wine bladder bags needed to be cut up. When weather is warm they

rolled easily. Contents should be emptied. The user of the bladder bags is now rinsing contents from the bladder bags and cutting the bags in strips and the waste company is baling. Bales are then dropped off at the landfill collection site. It is hoped that once the waste company expands it yard it can collect more of the ag-plastic, bale and ship directly to processor.

o Styrofoam seedling trays pose a difficulty for processors due to the chemicals used. One user is utilizing a corn chopper to grind the trays into small pellets to be used in soil mix. Determining user of this product will still be explored.

o It was determined that there is a market for clean Styrofoam.

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Recycling Ag-plastics is possible and there is a market. The RDOS Board of Directors is committed to continuing the collection of Ag-plastics with a look at streamlining the process. An amount of $15,000 is budgeted to ensure the program continues at the completion of the pilot.

2. It is not advised to purchase baling equipment or grinders until volumes are

sufficient and program collection streamlined and fully operational in all farming sectors.

3. Piggy backing with existing operations that have balers may be advisable.

4. If a baler is used, baling equipment operators need to understand the

importance of not contaminating a bale; information sheets and training are essential.

5. It is more efficient if agricultural plastics be bundle tied or bagged before

delivery to collection centers stations otherwise it will cost more in labour to untangle and tie or bag at the collection stations. Ensure that information sheets clearly identify that ag-plastics must be bundle tied and or bagged.

6. Explore developing a transfer or holding station. A place where the plastic can

be stored out of the sun and rain, until there is adequate volume to ship. This would be more relevant if baling or in wetter climate areas. RDOS did not experience plastic breakdown from sun.

7. PVC: This is a poor ecological product and the manufacturers need to be lobbied to address the recycle issues. Information should be printed to inform farmers of the hazards posed by this product to motivate use of other products.

8. Work towards developing a farm gate pick-up system similar to the existing

Bulky Item Pickup early to late November to accommodate tree fruit, ground crop and vineyard operators and again in March or April to accommodate ranchers and silviculture industry. However, ranchers and other farmers may utilize both pick-up schedules. Further research should be done on best times to implement a farm gate pick-up program. Timing will vary from north to

16

south. The farm gate pick up may only apply to those needing the service as the pilot demonstrated that most agriculturists are able to deliver their sorted plastics to the landfill; although, a farm gate pick-up service would eliminate duplicate handling.

9. The Municipal and Regional District landfills in the RDOS were successful in

working together with the pilot. It is beneficial that they continue to work together to share resources, increase Ag-plastic recovery and facilitate efficiencies. Municipal and regional landfills contributed staff time.

10. Encourage neighbouring Regional Districts to start Ag-plastic recycling

programs and later combine the programs to achieve efficiencies and look at contracting out the collection and shipment of ag-plastics.

11. Attend agricultural association meetings to:

raise awareness and profile of the program, report on the successes and areas for improvement receive feedback and ask how system can be improved, explore methods to make farm gate collecting and or delivery to

landfills easier.

12. A Resin Identification Code sheet is available for household plastics. Additional work should be done to develop a Resin Identification Code Sheet for Ag-plastics from the information obtained in the pilot. Collection categories are best simplified rather than sorting by resin code.

13. Waste Styrofoam that is generated by the Silviculture Industry needs more

research. The technology to recycle this material is not advanced enough. The chemical residue also poses difficulty to recycle. One company has found a solution in that they use a corn chopper and grind the Styrofoam seedling trays into pellets. Pellets are blown into a sewn bag during the chopping process and then later mixed with the seedling soil. They are having good results.

14. The super sacs which were called Ag-plastic collection bags can be obtained

from various sources and used for collection. It is recommended to source the bags for free or purchase from processors at approximately $2.00 per bag plus shipping. RDOS equated an additional .80 cents per bag to cover shipping costs from the coast and labour and shipping costs to the collection sites. Best to source locally used super sacs as contractors want to get rid of them. It saved on the RDOS pilot $2500. Renting a moving van (one tonne) is best to transport the local empty bags to the various collection sites (there are nine in the RDOS, one at each landfill and two at a retail outlet).

15. Recycled plastics need to be free from contamination. In future, sorting stations at landfills should be situated in areas not likely to become muddy. The area could be paved or lined with wood chips.

16. It is advised that landfills continue with space large enough for four drop sites.

One for rigid, film, twine and pvc pipe. Each space should be large enough to separate and accommodate a space for the bagged and bundled sorted ag-plastics. Signage should be clearly visible. Those bringing in bulk sorted ag-plastics need to be directed to tie into bundles or bag in the provided bags. Once the program is established, landfill bylaws should address unsorted ag-plastic and eventually ban recyclable ag-plastic from landfills.

17. Metal bins were brought in to sort bulk ag-plastics. These were not utilized as

they were too small and found it more efficient to bundle tie or sort in the ag-

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plastic collection bags. The metal bins worked well to hope the empty ag-plastic collection bags. One collection site used an old freezer to hold the empty bags which kept them dry and out of the sun.

18. For less handling it is best that ag-plastics are bundle tied or bagged on the

farm then delivered to the landfill.

19. Bunkers at landfills were not built during the first part of the pilot as size of each bunker could only be determined after establishing estimated volumes.

20. It was found that building bunkers even toward the end of the pilot was not

suitable as the true volumes of ag-plastics are still unknown. Instead rubber drums were purchased at some of the collection sits to separate the categories. These worked well. When true volumes are known then bunkers with cement lock blocks and colored plastic interlocking blocks to allow for ease of expanding space as volumes increase could be built. It has been suggested that when bunkers are built to also have a cement bottom for cleaner loading of bulk plastics.

21. Spotters at collection sites or close by are advisable.

22. Continue to offer at landfills no tipping fees on sorted ag-plastics. State that

ag-plastics must be bundle tied or bagged. Specify what to bundle tie with.

23. An ag-plastic collection bag for each category that is supported structurally and stands open needs to be provided at each sorting station at the landfill for those bringing in small amounts. The structure to hold the bag thus has not been determined and needs more research.

24. It is recommended to hire a processing company to attend the various farming

sector meetings to demonstrate tips for ease of collection of the various ag-plastics at farm sites. This step also connects the farming community with the needs of the plastic processing and recycling community. The development of and distribution of tip sheets on ideas on cleaner collection at farm site would be helpful to the farming, processing and recycling industry.

25. That those agriculturalists using ground crop cover film plastic be provided

incentives to purchase degradable films to increase use. It is hoped that market price will fall with more demand and therefore become affordable.

26. Continue to build a collection system around the assumption that farmers do not pay.

27. Continue to work towards a collection system that is economically sustainable.

28. Work with existing recycling programs as available.

o Film plastic is collected in some locations, i.e. lumber wrap is trucked to a destination for baling and then shipped to Vancouver.

o A processing and recycling company in Vancouver owns and operates two rear packing garbage trucks that collect film plastic from warehouses. Plastic collection bags are dropped off and once a week the rear packing garbage trucks arrive, the driver empties the film plastic into the compactor. If there are bags containing other plastic they are tossed in, bag and all. At the processing plant, the filled bags are pulled out and the film is baled.

29. Processors need volumes of one type of plastic for cost effective processing.

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Processors also need to ensure that bulk ag-plastic is sorted correctly to ensure no contamination. Therefore, a holding and sorting warehouse close to the processing centres is required and recommended. Ag-plastics could be shipped from all over the province to this location.

30. It was determined that the landfill storage area requires the following space: 1. Film

• Bundle tied • Bagged

2. Rigid • Irrigation bundle tied • Bagged rigid such as pots • Bladder bags (Oliver landfill only)

3. Twine 4. PVC pipe (bundle tied)

Appendix 1: Agricultural Plastics Recycling Template Appendix 1 – Template

Agricultural Plastics Recycling Template

Components of an Ag-Plastic

Recycling Program

Activity Example

1

Develop a Proposal

Prepare a preliminary & review assess how to make feasible

Use the steps listed below and conduct a preliminary investigation

See Folder A

Develop a budget, determine funding source

Informational handouts, empty ag-collection bags, collection site signage, container for empty ag-collection bags, shipping, labour to load filled bags, advertising, coordinator

2 Conduct Research Activity Example

Identify Ag-Plastic users in your region

Tree fruit growers, ranchers, ground crop growers, grape growers, wineries, greenhouses, silviculture growers, equestrian groups…..

See Folder B

Identify types of Ag-Plastic used and photograph, number and create spreadsheet to send to processor

Irrigation tubing, film plastics such as ground cover, silage bags (go to local landfill and collect - or to agricultural community)

Identify seasonality of Ag-plastic Ground crop growers removing plastic Oct/Nov. Ranchers

utilizing silage, bail twine Dec thru to April

Estimate volumes

Discussion with farmers, landfill operators, Ag-plastic suppliers (do not spend a lot of time on this as once programs begins and becomes established more accurate figures can be obtained)

Identify existing recycling programs in the region and obtain details

Triple Rinse Clean - Empty Chemical Container Return Program

Identify and speak with potential partners.

Plastic Processors, Hauling companies, Sources for used Collection Bags, Area local government, Empty bag pick up location and collection site (Landfill operators), Agricultural Associations, Media

Determine which processor or processors to work with. Discuss with processor how they want the plastics sorted, level of contamination, delivery schedule

RDOS pilot looked for a processor who was willing to take all ag-plastics.

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See Folder C

With the assistance of processor code ag-plastics as to their resin type. (to determine sorting categories and collection site set-up)

There are 7 Resin Identification Codes / Plastic Recycling Codes. Black plant containers are a #5 while black irrigation tubing is #2. It was determined with plastic recycling processor that ag-plastics would be sorted into 3 categories: rigid, film, twine. Items were bagged or bundle tied. If bundle tie, tie with same film plastic for film and for rigid such as irrigation tubing tie with rope or twine. Never tie with wire. (later a fourth was created - PVC pipe)

Source collection bags (used Super Sacs)

Plastic Processor may have collection bags and may charge for them. There may be a company in the area with used tote bags to give away. RDOS sourced used tote bags from a local contracting company.

Identify logistic components

Collection bag distribution, collection site for bagged and bundle tied ag-plastics and sorting station structure at landfills or at warehouse (plan for room to expand), central transfer station (if need) local loading & hauling to the processor (look for transport companies where they arrange backhauls). RDOS landfills and municipal landfills participated in the distribution of collection bags, information sheets and in the receiving of filled bags and or bundle tied ag-plastics which meant that the entire region was involved in distributing Ag-collection bags and in providing a drop location. A retail farm dealership (Terra-Link South Valley Sales) also distributed Ag-collection bags and information sheets.

See Folder D Identify what is needed to separate categories at collection site and hold the empty collections bags

Signage, bunkers, space dividers, (metal container or wooden bin to hold empty bags) One collection site utilized an old freezer to hold the empty bags which helped to keep the sun off the bags. UV rays will break down the plastic.

See Folder E Identify loading equipment and lease options

Forklift, front end loader with bucket (if using a bucket give instruction to operator not to dump dirt, wood chips, gravel into transport truck when loading plastics)

See Folder F Identify compacting options and determine if you want to bale or send to plastic processor bulk

Balers, shredders, grinders. There may be local options available. RDOS chose to send bulk rather than baling the plastic. If baling, get instructions on how and what to put into each bale from the plastic processor.

Identify media (communication)

Local grower publications and publications out of area that agriculturalists receive, associations (usually send out newsletters), newspaper, radio and coverage area, local TV, and agricultural seminars

3 Prepare

Materials Required Activity Example

See Folder G

Develop and print Agriculturalist information sheet, Bag pick up info sheet for distributors of Ag-collection bag, Plastic drop off information sheet

Ag-plastic Recycling Info Sheet, Collection bag pick up info sheet, Filled bag or bundle tied drop off info sheet, program and sorting info sheet

See Folder H Media materials and time line Radio, Print Ads, News Release,

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See Folder I Signage for bag pickup and collection sites

RDOS first created trial signs to start pilot then later permanent signage was developed - size (24x30"), wind stable, color stable from sun. RDOS signage consisted of Twine, Rigid, Film, and PVC

See Folder J Display material To be used at agricultural meetings. Poster size. (Sorting categories, empty collection bags, information sheets, samples of processed waste plastic, sponsor logo's)

4 Implementation

Activity Example

See Folder K Order or pick up locally ag-plastic collection bags Determine if going to charge for each bag. RDOS did not.

Order materials for sorting stations at ag-plastic collection sites

Information Sheets together Include other local recycling programs such as "Triple rinse empty chemical container return program"

Set up empty ag-plastic bag distribution site and filled bag and bundle tied collection site

Set up collection sites including signage (leave room to expand) leave empty Ag-collection bags and information sheets with staff, train staff

Commence media (communication) campaign

Attend farmer association meetings, radio ads, newspaper ads, press releases, organizations email lists, publications, TV news

See Folder L Commence collection Check sites for proper sorting and no dumping - clean up quickly if improper sorting, re-educate staff and public if improper sorting. Advertise good job of proper sorting

Transport to processor Arrange shipping (back haul), loader to load filled Ag-collection bags and bundle tied plastics, help to load loader, call processor

Update public, stakeholders Media updates on program and more advertising of program, attend farmer association meetings

Record keeping Document with photos, notes, keep track of volumes, expenditures, problems and solutions, feedback, articles, weights of shipped loads

4 Reporting

Prepare Interim & Final Report as required

Report to committee(s), power point presentation to public, conferences, final report to funding agencies

Folder A Ag-plastic Recycling Program – Budget items to consider Collection Bags - used super sacs - can cost $2 - $3.00 per used bag from processor plus shipping or try sourcing used super sacs in your area at no cost. Labour costs – deliver collection bags to the various site locations Containers to hold empty bags - Metal Bin can cost $55 each from processor plus shipping or use an old freezer or other readily available container at no cost. Collection site signage – three or maybe four - Twine, Film, Rigid, PVC 24x30” metal costs approximately $100 each plus the cost of installing. Cheaper if print on corrugated plastic. Information Sheets – costs dependent on amount printed – color copies can be priced from .18 cents to $1.00 per page. Laminating costs approximately $1.00 per page. Dividers for collection site categories – may use orange drums (36lb base) as they can easily be moved when more need space – or if collection site location needs changing. Approximate costs - $75.00 for one channelizer drum. Signage can be screwed into drum. Labour costs – in case collection sites need sorting when first starting Media – check local radio stations and newspapers for costs – press releases are free Shipping – price local haulers (Summerland to the coast was $900 for a 45 foot flat deck with sides) approximately 17,000lbs when hauling bulk and if loaded correctly. Loading costs – approximately $110 per hour for use of loader and operator. Some collection sites do not charge to load. Labour costs to load into loader ($10 - $20 per hour)

Folder B

Before pilot Samples collected and tagged

Silage Wrap

Netting numbered

Folder C

Collected from Landfill plastic pile -- and from agriculturalists CODE

# Plastic Item

Janice's # Photo

4 LDPE Fertilizer Bag 1 yes 4 LDPE Montana Natural Granulated Phosphate Rock Bag 2 yes 4 LDPE 5 thin layer of plastic (used to wrap hailage bails - stretch wrap?) 3 4 LDPE Silage bags (comes in various sizes 4 ?? Pale Green Wrap (not Ag) 5 yes ?? Darker Green Wrap (not Ag) 6 yes 4 LDPE Ground Cover Plastic - thin 7 Plant pots - various 8 yes 2 HDPE Plant pots (black) 6 PS plant pots (brown outside - black inside) 5 PP Various plant pots (colored) Black plant trays generally #5 - Flimsy#5 or #6 3 PVC PVC white pipe (irrigation pipe ?) 9 2 HDPE Black tubing large 10 yes 2 HDPE Black tubing narrow 11 yes 2 HDPE Black tubing narrow with hole (irrigation line) 12 3 PVC ? Black plastic with wire inside 13

5 PP mesh bag with plastic liner(blue lines, red writing on bg mineral bag 14 yes

4 LDPE white bag - Coast Agri 25kg (blue, green writing) 15 yes 4 LDPE clear piece of bag - Terralink 16 yes 4 LDPE clear bag - wine corks 17 yes

2 or 5 HDPE or

PP woven cut piece (think a tarp?) 18 yes 2 HDPE cut piece - brown one side/green&white other 19 yes 5 PP various sizes of bale twine & light blue 20 yes 2 HDPE another variation of #14 -fr. Pro-form - Livestock mineral 20kg 21 yes 4 LDPE plastic clear 22 6 PS (Silviculture) Styroblock Tray ( to grind on-site) 23 yes 1 PET green, yellow, pkg. ties (Acme strapping) 24 yes 4 LDPE Plastic wrap thin 25 yes 7 nylon Plastic - thin - shredded (netting or wrap) 26 yes 2 HDPE hard black plastic (SKIN OR GROUND COVER) 27 yes 4 LDPE wine bladder bags - hard plastic (IBC LINER) 28 yes 2 TO VERIFY bag - double lined - red & black printing (HDPE - TYVEK) 29 yes 2 HDPE Brown Plastic (Lumber cover wrap) 22 A yes 4 LDPE thick clear plastic with red writing -- Layfield plastics 1978 22 B yes 4 LDPE White plastic - green writing (Agri Cover - AT Plas) 22 C yes

2 HDPE Woven Mesh White/Brown-Black Reverse InterWrap 800-567-wrap 22 D yes

4 LDPE Light Blue & Clear Plastic (Poly bag) 22 E yes 4 LDPE Plastic - 2 layer & red writing ( glass wrap/cover) 22 F 3 Flex PVC Green plastic tubing with Black lines (Hose) 22 G yes 4 LDPE 2 layer clear plastic 22 H 7 NYLON Green woven mesh (netting) 22-I yes 5 PP shredded long thin pieces of smoky plastic (TWINE ?) 22 J 4 LDPE blue bubble wrap 22 K 4 LDPE white bag small 22 L 3 Flex PVC blue flexible tubing 22 M

blue woven mesh 22 N 4 LDPE orange thin bag (think maybe a garbage bag but not the usual?) 22 O 2 HDPE hard blue plastic tubing 22 P 6 PS plant identification tags 22 Q yes 2 HDPE water hose - black with red lines (TO VERIFY MFR?) (not Ag) 22 R yes 4 LDPE bubble wrap clear 22 S 2 HDPE green bendable plastic 22 T 5 PP green woven mesh 22 U 4 LDPE green house film 22V 2 HDPE Berry Crate (not in our region but in others) 23 yes Aquaculture Styrofoam Block (not in our region but in others) 24

Wine bladder bags T-Tape (irrigation)

Folder D

Folder E

Folder F

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Equipment for Handling and Transporting Agricultural Plastics

Introduction The recycling of agricultural plastics has to overcome the barrier imposed by distance to potential buyers. Potential buyers are located in major urban areas where enough volumes of scrap plastic exist to afford processing capacity. It becomes the challenge of the recovery program to effectively transport bulky plastics away from collection points in a cost effective manner. The bulk density of most agricultural plastics are so low that it becomes necessary to densify these materials at the collection points. There are several options for processing plastics in an efficient manner. Firstly, there is the opportunity to bale plastics at collection points. This delivers two major benefits, early separation of contaminants and densifying material for storage and transportation. Alternatives may exist where a program can find local processing capacity close enough to a collection point to transfer the material loose. Balers Balers are an effective tool for packaging plastics being sent for recycling. A standard 60 inch vertical baler produces a bale measuring 60 x 48 x 30 inches and weighing between 1000 and 1500 lbs. Compared with a super sac that is approximately the same size, containing 30 to 50 pounds of plastic, a baler helps achieve volume reductions of 20 to 1 or better. Balers are preferred to grinders and other types of processing equipment by both recyclers and processors. The cost of maintenance and repairs for balers is low compared to that of a grinder which has knives that must continually be sharpened. The impact of cross contamination of grades also has to be considered. Buyers of recovered plastics also point out the need to easily identify contaminants as a reason why baled material is greatly preferred over ground or chipped material. Versatility Balers are capable of processing a variety of plastics including film, bags, bladder bags, twine, strapping, buckets etc. They will not densify piping as piping will not crush under the pressure exerted by the machines (typically 35-40 psi). The same baler can be used for baling cardboard, paper and tin from other recycling programs. Heavy duty and high capacity machines exist for more demanding applications. It is possible for a large program to employ a horizontal baler with a conveyor system to automate the baling process. Site Requirements A 60 inch vertical baler weighs approximately 4700 lbs and stands 12 ft tall. It is commonly mounted on a concrete pad or floor, though they can be placed on asphalt. These machines are designed for indoor use. A minimum of a weather cover or tent is required for the operating area. Exact specifications vary depending on the application and site. The baler supplier can help determine what weatherproof components or other options may be required by an individual site. The efficient use of a baler involves collecting material to be baled near the machine. With several different types of bulky materials being collected from the agricultural sector, the

layout of the baling area should be thought out carefully. Planning the work area will help keep plastic to be baled clean, produce more bales per day and produce a higher value product. Where possible, 3 phase power is preferred for these machines as they commonly host a 10 HP motor. Most manufacturers offer a smaller, single phase motor if required. Financing Several financing options exist for acquiring balers. AtSource Recycling Systems Corp. offers programs including rental, lease and purchase of balers. AtSource’s rental program is an efficient way to acquire both balers and compactors as they include all costs of the equipment – delivery, installation, maintenance and repairs. With a service network that is province wide, AtSource has the capacity to take care of equipment at any location in the province. Alternative Handling Methods Other systems are commonly used for the transportation of bulk materials. Roll Off containers and compactors are among systems commonly used across British Columbia for solid waste and recycling applications. The problem with un-compacted, low density plastics is that they will equally drive up the cost per tonne of handling and recovering the plastics. A 40 yard roll off bin with un-compacted film plastics will weigh approximately 1 tonne. Compactors will help densify film plastics to a great extent, but they are designed to hold single commodities, and therefore do not address the needs of a program collecting several grades of plastic. Collection facilities located close to towns and cities may be able to take advantage of 3rd party processors to provide a baling service. This arrangement would have to take into account sorting and grading product to be baled, as well as removing contaminants.

1000lb baled wrap

Folder G

Folder H

Sample Radio Ad - 1 The RDOS would like to thank all farmers for Practicing Safe Plastic Management by their participation in the RDOS Agricultural Plastic Recycling Pilot Project Sorted film, rigid, and twine Agricultural Plastics and irrigation pipe, tubing and ground cover plastic that is sorted into a bag or tied into a bundle are still being accepted free at all RDOS and area municipal landfills. The RDOS Agricultural Plastic Recycling Pilot is made possible with the funding support from the Agriculture Environment Partnership Initiative, a joint agriculture industry-federal/provincial government program along with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture and Lands. For more information call the RDOS Air Quality Dept. 490-4212 or pick up an information sheet at any RDOS or area municipal landfill or at Terra Link South Valley Sales in Oliver or Keremeos.

Sample Radio Ad – 2 STN: CKOR/CJMG

Burning plastics can adversely affect you and your neighbors health more than you

think! The RDOS would like to thank all farmers who participated in the Agricultural

Plastic Recycling Pilot Project. Agricultural plastics that are sorted into a bag, or tied

in a bundle are still being accepted free at all RDOS and municipal landfills.

Information sheets and bags are available at all landfills. This RDOS pilot received

funding from the Agriculture Environment Partnership initiative, a joint agriculture

industry-federal and provincial government program. For more information, contact

the RDOS Air Quality, 490-42-12.

Folder I

Temporary signage

41

Folder J

Folder K Ag-Collection Bags with ties on both ends. One end large opening and other end smaller opening.

Loading empty super sacs (Ag-Collection Bags) in one-tonne moving rental truck to distribute to empty bag pick up locations.

Bag holder

Folder L

Tie bags before shipping

Appendix 2: Plastic Processing and Recycling Contacts: Simply Plastic Solutions: Delta, BC 604-952-0898 ari@simplypak.com Processor and develops new products from recycled plastic. Also works at networking with other processor and recycler to accomplish 0 waste. Willing to look at all plastics and help develop collection programs. Silver Dale Recycling: Maple Ridge, BC 604-854-9494 or 425-277-6599 Recently set up a facility to clean and extrude waste plastic. Can accept slightly more contaminated (dirty) product – up to 10% of the weight of the product. They would like to source plastics within a 500-mile radius. Genesis Recycling: Aldergrove, BC 604-607-1117 www.genesisrecycling.com (compuCycle on the island ships to Genesis). Both specialize in e-waste (electronic) recycling. But have been accepting twine from the island project and sending to Simply Plastic Solutions. BFS Innovative Solutions: Abbottsford, BC 604-556-3922 www.recycling solutions.ca Accepts only clean – will work with users of clean plastic film to bale and haul away. Will also accept lumber wrap, owns and operates two garbage compactor trucks and they collect film plastic from warehouses and businesses in Vancouver. Helps Plastic Corp: Delta, BC 604-209-6590 Processor and sells to recyclers. Interested in PVC. Agri-Plas, Inc: Brooks, OR 503-390-2381 info@agriplasinc.com Specializes in recycling agricultural waste plastic. They work with RE Sources on recycling waste plastic collected in Whatcom County. They are looking at developing a system to get waste agriculture plastics across the border for recycling (processed 25 million lbs in 2005). Plastic Industries: Based in Idaho USA: 208-852-5600 rex@dcdi.net Belair Bay Industries: North Vancouver, BC 604-985-3675 Will accept only clean and contaminate free “Styrofoam”; foamed polystyrene and Styrofoam chips (no PET or other foam). Masonville Plastics: 19402 – 56th Ave. Surrey, BC V3S 6K4 Will accept clean sytrofoam such as the white protective blocks used for packaging computer. Altern Energy: Prince George, BC 250-649-2460 alternaenergy.ca Developing biomass energy systems. – trials are expected to run in 2007. Skagit River Steel: Washington USA accepting nylon netting Websites: Re-Sources, Bellingham, www.re-sources.org Northwest Ag Plastics, Yakima, www.nwagplastics.com/

Collection Programs: RE Sources: Help to develop and establish collection programs for Agricultural Plastics in parts of Washington State and expanding. They partner with other organizations and also hold collection events. recycle@re-sources.org www.re-sources.org It’s Twine to Recycle: Volunteer run collection program for bale twine from Campbell River to Victoria, 20 collection sites established. acker944@shaw.ca Regional District Okanagan Similkameen: Pilot Project successful. Monies have been budgeted to continue with the Agriculture Plastic Collection and Recycling Program. 1-250-490-4212 www.rdos.bc.ca

Appendix 3: Research Trials Research trials to evaluate industrial recycling for Ag Plastics. Industrial recycling of plastic involves collecting materials for processing into several forms. An intermediate regrind or a plastic pellet or strand material, which is then sold to other plastic product manufacturers. Plastic is a term used for a diversity of products. The key ingredient is their thermoplastic nature that allows them to be ground up, remelted, cleaned and reused maybe used 5 to 7 times without significant loss of properties or processing. The industry has adopted 7 resin identification codes used to identify plastics. Within each code, there are various grades. As an example, code 2 HDPE has 3 pages of specific grades among which are film plastic, for Sears’s shopping bags; a plastic for vegetable oil containers, a drainage pipe; a stronger plastic for motor oil containers and a stronger plastic for 5 gallon pails or larger containers such as 210L (45 gallon) drums and international bulk containers (IBC) 1000L. Each of these products has specific properties which dictate which plastic grade can be used in its specific manufacture. A research trial is conducted to identify the type of plastic being collected and match it with a widely accepted commercial use. The recycled pellets or strand material must also be free of contamination. Recycle processors use various means to clean harvested material. These include washing, air pressure separation, flotation, and magnetic separation and the use of screens in the extruder. The research trial also determines the state of contamination and cleaning cost associated with recycling the material. Once a clean, marketable product has been established for a recycled material, it has to be assembled in quantities sufficient to make handling, transportation and processing economically viable. If processing is not economically viable, the next option is to source an alternative processor and determine if transportation to that market (including foreign markets) is viable. This is another component of the agricultural research trials. Some plastics recycled in B.C. are bailed and sent to the USA, China or India for processing. Contaminated material is sometimes sent to India for cleaning and returned to B.C. for processing into such items as lumber wrap. Bulk shipping and low overseas labour markets make this an economically viable way to recycle some dirty products, which would otherwise end up in landfills. This should not be confused with exporting garbage. The industry operates on economies of scale and sources low cost inputs on a global basis. As in all industry sectors there are good players and bad players. The objective is zero waste, but also to accomplish that objective without exploitation. A typical research trial involves the following: Discussions with manufacturers:

Re: the type of products manufactured, plastics used, use of recycled product in same product manufacturing, other recycle uses, material prices.

Discussions with an agriculturalists: Re: when the product is purchased, when it is applied, when it is removed, methods of removal, physical state of removed product i.e. rolled, packaged, cut up; typical type and degree of contamination, methods of minimizing contamination, transportation options.

Receiving the material: Confirmation of the resin identification code/plastic recycling code of the plastic;

(Send for testing to BCIT or UBC if required) Inspecting for contamination (rocks, dirt, staples, etc) Cutting/Size reduction for handling and trucking Cleaning as necessary (run under magnets if required) Determine processing parameters – feed speed, heat profile, air pressure, etc.

(a light plastic can melt and clog the processor if overheated)

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Process 1: shredding; conveyor to Process 2: high speed grinding; conveyor to Process 3: extruder; flash off moisture. Cut into pellets. Bag or box pellets. Confirm market, transportation issues, and price and volume requirements. Confirm recycle material supply volumes and source additional supply markets.

Trials and Reports 1) Trial 1and Report – Greenhouse Film (white, clear, UV protected). Code 4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Suitable for recycling Can be cleaned with low cost air blowers Could possibly be combined with recycling for greenhouses in the lower mainland where large volumes are available. (one major operator produces 60,000 lbs of recycle material) Needed is 10 times that for viable and sustainable operations Can be harvested clean by rolling/folding on the ground or gravel into typical 120 lb rolls. Recycle uses: ground and pool liners, construction film, vapour barriers, garbage bags and greenhouse film. 2) Trial 2 and Report – Woven mixed wrap (also used for lumber wrap) This is a multi-laminate product consisting of 50% Code 2 HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and 50% LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). This combination provides both strength and water protection. Suitable for recycling. Possible contamination with staples, requiring visual inspection and possibly magnetic cleaning; must watch for the possibility of copper staples, which are not magnetic. When two materials are mixed, they drop to the lower grade for recycling purposes. Produces grey or black pellets. Recycle uses: irrigation piping, waterlines and black grower and style flower pots.

3) Trial 3 (A) and report – Ground Cover Film black (thin) Code 4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Contamination problems if harvested wet. Farmers advised it would not be a problem to harvest dry and shake off the soil as much as possible. Ground cover must be rolled up and tied with twine to minimize wet and mold conditions. Suitable for recycling if not harvested wet and is not full of organics. If contamination level too high the product is either rejected or sent out of the province for cleaning (to the States or China) Recycle uses: not identified at this point. Additional research required. Reuse in plastic lumber and similar decking materials – Wood plastic composite (WPC).

4) Trial 3 (B) and report - Clear Film Bags Code 4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Suitable for recycling. No special problems. Recycle uses: Silage bags, soil bags and various industrial bags

5) Report no trial needed - Feed Bags Code 4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Suitable for recycling. Dust contamination is not a problem.

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Contamination from oil caused by from feed or chemical contamination requires a separate wash process and is more costly. Recycle uses: non feed industrial bags and roof underlay and construction films

6) Report no trial needed - Fertilizer Bags Code 4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Suitable for recycling. Contamination from chemical contamination requires a separate wash process and is more costly. Recycle uses: multi layer films (coax film), silage bags, peat moss bags

7) Trial and Report - Bail Twine Code 5 PP (Polypropylene) If highly contaminated with hay/straw or manure it is not readily suitable for recycling. Processing requires cutting into small pieces and blowing off contamination but the ratio of contamination to product can be high. A better process is using a densifier, which cuts shreds and melts the twine. The product was baled and shipped to the USA but the pilot has provided the opportunity to process here in BC. If level of contamination is low it can continue to be processed in BC. Recycle uses: #5 grower and flower pots and wood composite material (WPC).

8) Report no trial needed – PVC Pipe Code 3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Not readily suitable for recycling. Labour intensive as joints and areas with glue need to be cut out as these are a contaminate to the basic material. PVC Pipe comes in many forms and also comes in many forms other than pipe such as mouldings. Comes in various colors with white PVC more accepted than colored. Can degrade into chlorine on processing and become explosive, as a result requires several processes to recycle and is not economic. Low grade PVC drainage pipe has fillers such as calcium carbonate (chalk) making it very difficult to process. Low grade PVC cannot currently be shipped to the USA. This is a poor ecological product and the manufacturers should be lobbied to address the recycle issues. White potable, pipe could be stockpiled but volumes are low – would have to join with the construction industry for a viable recycle program and a trial would have to de done on specific products. A wood chipper was utilized to chip a small volume of the white PVC pipe and it was met with success. Recycle uses: White potable – white PVC fencing, plastic troughs. Company that was accepting PVC is presently not accepting. There may be a company in BC accepting white PVC. It is in the conversation stage. Therefore, PVC is presently stockpiled.

9) Report no trial needed – Berry Crates Code 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) Very suitable for recycling. These products deteriorate with exposure to UV and need to be recycled prior to deterioration. Contamination is mixed depending on use, sometimes requiring washing. There is a market for this product and does not require processing into pellet form. Recycle uses: blue recycle bins, beverage crates

10) Trial and Report – Styrofoam Blocks Code 6 PS

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No proven cost effective recovery method due to the light weight - high volume ratio, making transportation costs prohibitive. The Styrofoam blocks used in the silviculture industry when ground and used in the soil mix for tree seedlings is not a soil contaminate so it is suitable for use in soil conditioner for growing products. The surface of the styro blocks is contaminated with the chemicals used but those chemicals do not penetrate deeper and therefore when volumes are ground they have the potential to be mixed and used in light weight concrete. There is a potential for stockpiling and bringing in a mobile processor for grinding. A grinding/densifying trial is being planned for the RDOS. One orange leaf bag of Styrofoam produced one 2x3x 11/4thick block resulting in a 90% reduction. Clean Styrofoam though not from packaging does have a market. Recycle uses: growing medium in soil; flotation devices and as filler material for cement/aggregate products, can be densified and used for flower pots.

11) Trial and Report Aquaculture Styrofoam blocks: Not a contaminate issue but an odour issue (More to follow)

12) Trial and Report – Stretch wrap Code 4 LLDPE Very suitable for recycling. Product must not be contaminated with paper etc. It processes well, transports well and has lots of market and is processed back into stretch wrap. Recycle uses: stretch film and as a film binder.

13) Trial and Report – Nursery pots – Commercial, black, hard Code 2 HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Very suitable for recycling. Very high demand. Before sending to recycling processor, pots are to be clean of dirt and rocks. Contaminated pots are washed, requiring 50,000 – 100,000 lbs for processing but volumes are high for this product. There is a contamination issue with some waste pots being full of potting material. In this case if the user does not empty the pot they cannot be economically recycled locally. Some processors are sending contaminated product to Asia for cleaning. Recycle uses: nursery pots, irrigation piping. 14) Mini Trial and Report – Non commercial plant pots (colored) Code 5 PP Mixed with twine. Not sufficient volumes from pilot to process by itself. Recycle uses: flower pots and other Code 5 products (see twine) Note: Black plant trays are generally a 5 PP. Flimsy trays can be either a 5 or 6. 15) Trial and Report - #6 mixed plant pot polystyrene (brown outside – black inside) CODE: 6 PS (most dangerous when burned) Can be mixed with other PS recycle products like densified Styrofoam. Recycle uses: nursery plant trays

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16) Report no trial needed – Netting Code 7 Other (Nylon) Technology is there for recycling only if can attain high volumes. Very small volumes from the pilot. Recycle uses: export for use as plastic tie straps, etc. but high volume required even for exporting.

17) Report no trial needed - Strapping Code 1 PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Generally three different types of strapping but mostly used is the PETE. The #5 strapping (generally the white color) behaves like twine. Not suitable for recycling. Possible contamination with metal Very small volumes exist and its lightweight makes it costly to transport. Could be transported to Asia. Recycle uses: garments (after chemical processing)

18) Trial and Report – Silage Bags Code 4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Similar to greenhouse film. Suitable for recycling. Can have a contamination issue if not well prepped. Dirty bottom. It is possible to cut bottom when opening 6 – 12 inches above the ground to minimize contamination. There is a commercial silage bag vendor in the lower mainland interested in assisting in salvaging the top of the bags to trial in summer. Recycle uses: drainage pipe, multi layer films (coax film)

19) Trial and Report – Irrigation tubing & Flat tubing (T tape Irrigation) Code 2 HDPE Suitable for recycling Processes well Nails and screws had to be cut out with a pipe cutter. Would be better if user were to cut out before sending it to collection site. Wood pecker white tubing with black liner was also successfully processed. Recycle uses: Large tubing replacing paper tubes, industrial water pipes

20) Trial and Report – Wine Bladders Code 4 LDPE Suitable for recycling. Processes well into pellets. Valves need to be removed by processor and then are cut into 2 – 3 foot strips, which could be done by the winery as these are 15 ft long and present a significant handling problem. It would be helpful if bladder bags were rinsed by winery before sending to collection center or processor. Bladder bags are plyable in the hotter weather where the bags can be rolled. Good practices by the wineries would help to remove odor and contamination and ease handling. Recycle uses: industrial packaging and bags, construction film, greenhouse film 21) Trial and Report – Woven feed, grain bags (such as seen in super sacks and in smaller feed bags) Code 5 PP Suitable for recycling, Processing by grinding and made into pellets. Fluff separates leaving the shreds. Shreds are used for recycling. Recycle uses: wood composite material (WPC).

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Appendix 4: Project Photos – See PowerPoint Presentation Appendix 5: Silviculture Styro-trays (to come later)

Appendix 6 Twine and Agricultural Plastic Recycling

Volunteer Initiative Vancouver Island Jan-May 07

“It’s More than Twine to Recycle” Jill Ackerman, Courtenay, B.C. 250-703-0048 Situation: (encl.4 pages) 1. Agricultural plastics such as baler twine volumes ending up in landfill dumps or being burned. 2. Twine and agricultural plastics are not easily disposed of except by dumping in landfill or burning

them. - My Project started January 20, 2007 to collect and recycle Agricultural plastics such as

twine, hay wrap etc. - Difficulties to continue my project without funding support system

3. Air quality concerns increased with burning of any plastics. - Not enough recycling agents accepting Ag plastics of all types eg. twine, plant pots, silage

and hay wrap, irrigation pipe etc. 4. Only a few recycling agents have come forward to receive twine and they are in Cumberland,

Vancouver, Delta and Aldergrove, B.C. 5. The public living in the rest of the Province has no easy access to these agents. 6. Some recycling agents don’t want twine due to lack of information, education or instruction for

handling and processing. 7. See attached information, explanation and photos 8. Collection from farmers and equestrians is difficult due to proximity and costly for volunteer

pickup service 9. No Government office, eg. Regional District or Municipality has offered to provide collection

services, facilities or mandate agricultural plastics a priority for recycling. 10. I, as a volunteer and only one person as project coordinator have spearheaded a project to reduce

the landfill waste, but now I have had to request 3 other volunteers for Vancouver Island, to help me with collection of twine and shrink wrap.

11. Collection on Vancouver Island currently takes 4 people’s time, money and energy. 12. My vehicle is now too small for growing volume of twine being delivered

I also collect Shrink wrap from a select few businesses as a reward for accepting the twine; now a new problem arises because I require a truck or similar size vehicle.

13. Sufficient storage is a major concern for businesses being used as delivery sites for the twine delivered from the public, if I don’t collect on regular basis

14. Collection of twine and shrink wrap is gathered from businesses in Victoria to Campbell River and delivered to CompuCycle Recycling agent in Cumberland, B.C.

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Page 2 cont’d Situation: Recycling Pilot J.A. 15. Since my marketing plan notification system is working so well, my car is no longer large

enough to contain the volume of twine delivered and I have to collect more frequently 16. No individual person or group on Mainland is willing to do collection job due to costs of gas

and size of vehicle requirement. 17. Storage facility requirements take up valuable industrial space. 18. Sufficient storage is required at recycling site awaiting volumes of plastics, then awaiting

transport to processor 19. Sufficient storage required at processor. 20. Processors require large volumes of plastics for the demands from manufacturers. My Recommendations:

1. Local Government, Agriculture Council, Reg. Districts etc. need to hire skilled marketing dept. staff, to investigate which other recycling agents would be interested in an agricultural plastics project and advise the public of these accepted locations in each District.

2. Every recycling agent who is willing to accept and process Ag plastics should have access and capabilities to ship to down-stream vendor

3. Consistent information should be shared to all recycling facilities and the public 4. Reg. Dist. et al should organize a campaign to advise the industry of said

recycling. 5. Ag.Council or Reg. Dist. could set up some sort of collection at the landfill where

the public would freely deliver their twine and Ag plastics, have them sorted and cleaned eg. shaken free of hay, by hired workers and have said products then taken to designated recycling agents or

6. Staff could be hired by Reg. Dist. as an extension to their current recycling program, to collect said Ag plastics in similar methods that I have used with the twine eg. feed stores which sell plastic twine, hay wrap film, silage wrap, plant sales stores etc. are being used as delivery sites for the public (this provides for more delivery areas and added value customer service)

7. Incentive program either in a financial form or free road-side pick up, should be established to encourage those who do want to recycle Ag plastics,

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It’s More than Twine to Recycle Page 3 cont’d Recommendations:

8. At manufacturing and distribution levels, notification should be made that certain products are recyclable and what code they represent eg. #5 is twine and plant pots, which are polypropylene

9. Plastics recycling should be managed from the “top down” to user levels 10. Reg. Dist. et al should organize a campaign to advise the industry of said

recycling. 11. Manufacturers should be responsible for having a recycling end to everything

made or create incentive program before sales. 12. Manufacturer and distributor should provide businesses with information as to

where and how the plastics are to be graded and recycled. 13. Provincial advertising required on TV, newspapers and radio 14. Hire knowledgeable “green” staff, such as me, who are dedicated to recycling 15. Major Holding centre required for all plastics, will interest more processors to

join program due to streamlining ease 16. More agents accepting plastics make for more volumes and less storage required

as shipping would be more frequent or more local processors built to handle local product volumes

17. Once infrastructure is established, Reg. Dist. et al should refuse all Ag plastics from entering the landfill premises or double fine those not willing to participate in project but allowing for those products unacceptable for recycling eg. silage sheeting too damaged by rocks and mud to be accepted.

18. Be aware of illegal dumping on road side if infrastructure is weak because bad habit will form again as the public will go back to burning etc. if there is not an easy and consistent method for recycling

19. Fines should be administered to those who burn plastics, allow for anonymous reports eg. no neighbour wants to report another friend

20. Set up separate areas just for plastics in landfill area, possibly on paved road bed in a semi enclosed area, so that leaching from degradation does not take place.

21. Challenges of putting the Ag Plastics Project together are difficult but not insurmountable as long as there is funding for support.

22. Noting my articles published, it proves that there are other individuals and groups extremely interested in a program in their area; this shows there is a demand in other parts of the Prov. both by the public and the recycling businesses

23. Businesses and the general public should be rewarded for recycling not making recycling difficult

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It’s More than Twine to Recycle Page 4 cont’d Sustainability: How?

• Plastic volumes will continue to be used due to ease ability of product eg. plastic twine does not easily tangle in baler; non-degradable for bale breakage and rodent chewing, light weight, less expensive to manufacture, plastic stores hay and silage well, which maintains high quality of food source, machinery already purchased is expensive to replace, plastic cheaper to produce compared to metal for piping and twine rope etc.

• Plastics will continually be required to be recycled or dealt with in an environmentally friendly manner; thus there will be a requirement for businesses and staff to deal with the process.

• Collection by independent business or Regional District hired staff employs many locals and results in good local economies and elsewhere, due to shipping and transport etc., which also includes drivers, trucks, repairs all things related.

• Reward businesses and individuals by charging lower rates for pick up of their recyclable products such as twine, shrink and lumber wrap, plant pots, all acceptable agricultural plastics etc.; therefore by reducing their costs of dumpster fees, more people will tend to recycle

Conclusion: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, If we can’t reduce the volumes of plastics required in our daily use, then we must recycle or reuse them. Recycled plastics are more viable. Recycling plastics reduces the need to use more Petroleum to manufacture completely new products. Approx. only 30% pure plastic is needed to be added to my selected recycled plastics in order for them to be manufactured. I strongly believe that funding should be considered for my project and others like it, because in only 4 months, Feb. – May, I have assisted in diverting 6536 pounds of plastics eg: twine, haylage wrap, shrink wrap and lumber sheeting from our Island landfills. This pilot project would collect said plastics, record volumes and report findings for the 18 mo. time frame. People should be rewarded for doing the right thing to help the environment. Correspondence and photos: available upon request.