Shane Hedderson Appointed to Lead Cleanfarms in Canada

Long-Time Leader to Expand Cleanfarms Recycling Programs

Bonnie Johnson
July 17, 2026
Media Article

Cleanfarms has appointed Shane Hedderson as Executive Director, bringing years of leadership experience to advance agricultural recycling, stewardship programs, and Canada's circular economy.

Cleanfarms has appointed Shane Hedderson as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026. A longtime member of the organization’s leadership team, he succeeds Barry Friesen, who retired in April 2026.

Hedderson brings extensive experience in agricultural stewardship, circular economy initiatives, and industry collaboration. Having been with Cleanfarms since shortly after its launch in 2010, he has played a key role in the organization's growth and program development.

He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Business from the University of Waterloo and an MBA in Sustainable Commerce from the University of Guelph. Over the years, he has contributed to several major achievements, including helping Cleanfarms reach a 90 per cent collection rate for small HDPE pesticide and fertilizer containers.

As Director of the Western Region, Hedderson helped launch an on-farm collection program for large-acreage farms. He also led the organization’s involvement in developing the agriculture sector’s first circular packaging initiative for intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes.

In his new role, Hedderson will focus on strengthening partnerships across the agricultural industry and maintaining the success of existing recycling and recovery programs. He will also work to expand collection solutions for agricultural plastics that are not currently recovered.

Cleanfarms supports environmental sustainability by recovering and recycling agricultural plastics, packaging, and related products. The organization is funded by companies across the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health, feed, peat moss, animal bedding, ag plastics, and maple tubing sectors.

With team members located across several provinces, Cleanfarms continues to work with farmers and industry partners to advance stewardship initiatives and promote a more sustainable and circular agricultural economy throughout Canada.

Photo Credit: cleanfarms.ca