Tubing Recovery and Recycling Program for Maple Operations
Replacing maple tubing periodically is essential to ensure high-quality sap collection and maximize sugar bushes yield. However, managing used tubing has posed an environmental challenge since it first appeared on the market. Sustainable and responsible solutions are now available to address this issue, enabling efficient and environmentally friendly end-of-life management for these materials.
Since July 2023, a recognized stewardship organization, AgriRÉCUP, has managed the maple tubing recovery program. Its mission is to help tubing manufacturers comply with regulatory requirements while allowing maple producers to recycle their used tubing. Through close collaboration with the maple industry, municipalities, and recyclers, this initiative marks a significant step forward toward the goal of “zero plastic waste” in landfills.
The maple industry has set a new collection record. 2024, there was a 28% increase, going from 572,000 kg in 2023 to 733,000 kilograms. AgriRÉCUP warmly congratulates and thanks all the maple producers who participated in the program.
To ensure your tubing is accepted and recyclable, please follow these preparation steps:
- Remove the wire and any metal components.
- Separate the main lines from the 5/16” or 3/16” lateral lines. Plastic fittings and spouts connected to drop lines are accepted.
- Ensure the tubing brought to the drop-off point is clean: free of paint, other plastics, or contaminants.
- Check the interactive map on the agrirecup.ca website to find your nearest drop-off point.
- Bring your tubing to the drop-off location.
Recycling your tubing is a concrete action for the environment. It reduces plastic waste in forests and landfills while helping to preserve ecosystems. Once recycled, your tubing will be used to manufacture new plastic products, thus reducing reliance on virgin plastic.
Since businesses implemented the new regulation on product recovery and recycling in 2023, maple producers have noticed the addition of eco-fees to their tubing purchases. These fees fund the establishment of drop-off networks, the collection, transportation, and processing of used plastic, and management and compliance costs tied to the regulatory framework.
If you plan to renew your tubing network, consider integrating recycling into your material management strategy. By choosing AgriRÉCUP’s program and contributing to tubing recycling, you’re embracing a more sustainable approach that benefits your sugarbush and the environment.
For more information and to view the interactive map of collection sites, please visit: www.cleanfarms.ca/materials/maple-tubing
