Launch of a pilot project for the recovery of agricultural plastics in the MRC Pontiac
Launch of a pilot project for the recovery of agricultural plastics in the MRC Pontiac
The MRC Pontiac has launched a pilot project for the recovery of agricultural plastics on its territory. “This 3-year project is part of an initiative by the MRC Pontiac aimed at reducing the quantities of residual materials sent to landfills. It responds to the desire of agricultural businesses in the Pontiac to reduce the environmental impacts of their activities, ”explains Thierry Raimbault, the environmental coordinator for the MRC Pontiac.
During phase 1 of the project, around fifteen agricultural enterprises will receive a press specially developed for baling agricultural plastics intended for the conservation of fodder plants. Among them, Rick Younge, a cattle producer from Clarendon, is one of the initiators of the project, believes that this initiative is beneficial for both the environment and the agricultural community “In order to change the public’s perception of agriculture”. The recovered plastics will then be recycled or sent for energy recovery in collaboration with AgriRÉCUP, a non-profit organization. “It was by working with local stakeholders and studying collection methods elsewhere in Quebec that the MRC and its partners arrived at the definition of this pilot project. Ultimately, a total of 45 agricultural businesses will be able to integrate the project, “says Nolwenn Beaumont, the green economy project coordinator at the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Outaouais (CREDDO).
This project is carried out in collaboration with CREDDO and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ). It is also funded by MAPAQ under part 2 of the PrimeVert program. Agricultural businesses interested in learning more or possibly joining the project during phases 2 and 3 can write to: t.raimbault@mrcpontiac.qc.ca. The project is made possible thanks to a financial contribution of $ 113,000 from the Fonds du Grand Mouvement Desjardins.
