The large corn crop anticipated across the Midwest this season means a substantial increase in the use of one-time-use grain bags for on-farm storage. While these bags—which can be up to 200 feet long—are vital for preserving the harvest, their sheer volume creates a significant challenge in disposing of plastic. Fortunately, The Revolution Company, the recycling division of Delta Plastics, is offering a comprehensive, cost-free solution to turn this waste into a sustainable resource.
From Farm Storage to New Products
The Revolution Company’s program is designed to prevent a significant amount of agricultural plastic from ending up in landfills. Chris DeClerk, an irrigation specialist who manages the recycling effort, explains that the used grain bags are transformed into everyday items.
“We bring in those used ag plastics, recycle those components, and make plastic trash bags out of them,”
The process not only addresses the environmental problem of plastic waste but also creates a valuable new product, forming a sustainable, closed-loop system.
Preparation is Key for Pickup
For the company to efficiently retrieve and process the plastic, farmers must prepare the bags according to specific requirements.
Bale Preparation
- Roll it Up: The bags must be rolled up tight, ideally using commercially available grain bag rollers that hook up to a tractor or PTO. This process creates a dense roll, often compared to a hay bale.
- Tie it Down: Each roll must be secured with at least one piece of twine wrapped around the bag to maintain its form and prevent it from unspooling during transport. Tighter rolls fit better inside the trailer.
Logistics and Quantity
- Minimum Weight: The service is dependent on volume. The company requires a minimum of 40,000 pounds of tightly rolled plastic on-site for pickup. Given that an empty bag can weigh between 200 and 300 pounds, this typically translates to over one hundred bags.
- Free Service, Farm Responsibility: The recycling and pickup service is offered at no fee to the end user. However, the producer or co-op is responsible for loading the bags onto the 53-foot dry van trailer that the company sends. Loading requires a Bobcat and a ramp to be ready at a dry location.
The Revolution Company is committed to offering this service anywhere in the Midwest.
How to Schedule a Pickup
Producers ready to recycle their used grain bags have several direct ways to connect with the company:
- Call Directly: Farmers can call Chris DeClerk at 501-772-0161.
- Email: Contact Chris DeClerk via email at cdeclerk@revolutioncompany.com.
- Mobile App: The company also utilizes an application called “Push for Pickup.” Users can download the app, set up an account, and “spot” or drop a pin at their location, sending the request directly to the logistics department.
For more detailed information on the program, interested parties can visit the Delta Plastics website
