Weed control
In Leduc County, we work in cooperation with residents to manage weeds on private and public lands. Weeds represent a significant threat to agriculture and the environment because of their ability to take over seeded crops and native vegetation.
The Alberta Government Weed Control Act and Regulations is the guiding legislation for weed control in Alberta. Under these regulations, weeds declared as noxious or prohibited noxious must be controlled or eradicated.
Our approach
We employ a proactive approach to weed and vegetation growth management. By using multiple control methods, including mowing, herbicide spraying and weed inspections, we can limit the spread of weeds in an efficient and responsible way.
Noxious and prohibited noxious weeds
Noxious weeds have the ability to spread rapidly, cause severe crop losses and economic hardship. Under the Weed Control Act, residents are responsible for controlling the spread of noxious weeds by mowing, cutting frequently or spraying.
| Noxious weeds |
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Prohibited noxious weeds pose a serious threat as they spread rapidly and are highly competitive. Under the Weed Control Act, prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed by either pulling them, cultivating or spraying with a selective herbicide.
| Prohibited noxious weeds |
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By identifying and controlling weeds early, it’s easier to limit their damaging effects. Leduc County Agricultural Services can provide assistance with weed identification and work with you to develop an effective control plan.
Fenceline spraying
Fencelines or crop headlands can be sprayed under the fenceline spraying program to manage and prevent the spread of weeds. There is no charge for spraying performed on land adjacent to a county roadway.
Apply for fenceline spraying
Online application form Downloadable application form
If you download an application form, please submit it by email or drop it off to:
Leduc County
Community and Operations Centre
1105 5 St., Nisku, AB
Roadside spraying
Leduc County sprays selective herbicides in county roadside ditches where weed infestations are present. This controls the spread of weeds and also prevents brush from encroaching on roadways.
We choose the safest herbicides available to control weeds. Leduc County Agricultural Services follows all directives of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the guidelines established by the Professional Vegetation Managers Association. The herbicides used for roadside spraying have been accepted by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
Roadside mowing
Mowing helps control weeds and keeps sightlines clear at intersections. We mow approximately 4,000 acres of roadside ditch each year as part of our industrial vegetation management program. In addition to limiting the spread of weeds, roadside mowing reduces the potential of snow traps and drifts in the winter.
Roadside mowing occurs within the Nisku Business Park, subdivisions, municipal reserve lands, county transfer stations and lagoons and land adjacent to main paved county roads, such as Glen Park Road.
Rental equipment
Leduc County landowners may rent an assortment of herbicide spraying equipment for use on private land. View our fees and charges bylaw for pricing information. Email us to inquire about rentals.
Agricultural pesticide container recycling
There are two agricultural pesticide container recycling facilities in Leduc County. The facilities are owned and maintained by Leduc County and the recycling service is provided by Cleanfarms.
Cleanfarms holds annual collection events for unwanted pesticides and old livestock medications. Please refer to their website for scheduling information.
Recycling bags for pesticide containers
April 26, 2022
Cleanfarms has recently made changes to its recycling program. Effective immediately, Cleanfarms will only pick up bagged jugs for their recycling program. The reason behind this change is for efficiencies in trucking and handling – bagged jugs will now be compacted and transported to the recycling site for shredding.
Going forward, loose jugs will not be handled for loading at the collection sites; therefore, Leduc County requests that all users of these facilities bag their empty, rinsed jugs before depositing them in the collection site facility.
Where to pick up bags
- A supply of bags have been left at both the Thorsby and the Nisku container sites.
- Bags are also available for pick up at the Leduc County Community and Operations Centre, located at 1105 5 Street in Nisku.
- Please use the bags provided as they are made from a plastic grade compatible with this recycling program. Standard garbage bags or blue recycling bags are not compatible.
CleanFARMS is working with ag retailers to provide additional disposal site options in the future.
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| Unacceptable containers |
Learn more about waste management and recycling in Leduc County. |
| Empty container preparation |
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| Locations, hours of operation and application form |
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Thorsby Shop
Nisku Sewage Transfer Station
*The agricultural pesticide container disposal site in Nisku is situated within a gated facility and may only be accessed via an assigned access number and PIN entered each time at the access terminal at the entrance gate. Download an access number application form Apply online for an access number |
Weed control contractors
We have a list of available contractors that landowners may contact for mowing and spraying services. Please email us for more information.
Contractors may request to have their names (and services) added to the list of service providers. The list is not all-inclusive, and does not imply any recommendation by Leduc County. Consumers are responsible for verification of all credentials, certifications and claims made by the contractors.