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(Image Credit: X/@Cleanfarms)

Leader recognized for work recycling agricultural products

Oct 26, 2026 | 5:37 PM

The Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) is recognizing the work done by the recently retired Cleanfarms Executive Director. 

Barry Friesen will be presented with the Rs of Excellence Circular Champion Recognition Award for his career-long commitment to building a more sustainable, circular future in Canadian agriculture. 

Friesen said he was very proud to be part of this transformative industry. 

“To receive this honour from the RCA: one of the great champions of circular economy in Canada, playing a pivotal role in job creation while helping to keep our environment clean,” Friesen said. 

Cleanfarms Executive Director Shane Hedderson said it’s fitting the announcement coincides with Waste Reduction Week. 

“During Barry’s tenure, Alberta’s small container program—the first in Canada—grew significantly along with other programs across the province and country,” Hedderson said. “Barry has dedicated his career to improving waste diversion efforts for Canadians, both on and off the farm, and all of us at Cleanfarms are proud of Barry for this well-earned award.” 

RCA Executive Director Jenn Koole said through Friesen’s leadership in producer responsibility and agricultural plastics recovery, he helped build programs and partnerships keeping valuable materials out of landfills. The legacy lives on in recycling systems and agricultural stewardship. 

Friesen and other award recipients will be recognized at the RCA Annual General Meeting on Nov. 6. 

Cleanfarms is an agricultural producer responsibility organization that recovers and recycles agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com