Wednesday, 26 June 2024 10:55

Plastic recycling efforts paying off

Written by  Staff Reporters
Agrecovery has designed the scheme to include a phased approach to encompassing a broader range of materials over time. Agrecovery has designed the scheme to include a phased approach to encompassing a broader range of materials over time.

Farm plastic recycler, Agrecovery’s Green-farms Product Stewardship Scheme (GPSS) has been officially accredited under the Waste Minimisation Act (2008).

The GPSS is designed to tackle the challenge of farm plastic waste head-on, with a focus on four primary farm plastics waste streams in the first 3 years of the scheme being in effect: agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheets, small seed and feed bags, and large 1T and 500kg fertiliser sacks. The GPSS has also been accredited to incorporate Animal Health and Household Pest and Weed plastic packaging.

Agrecovery board chair Anders Crofoot says receiving the accreditation is a testament to the hard work and commitment of its team, stakeholders, and the agricultural community.

“Together, we are setting a new standard for environmental responsibility, ensuring that our actions today pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.”

“New Zealand dairy farmers are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, including minimising plastic waste. The GPSS offers a solution to enable our farmers to progress further along this journey,” says Burger.

Agrecovery has designed the scheme to include a phased approach to encompassing a broader range of materials over time with plans to significantly broaden the range of recyclable plastics covered by the GPSS in the next 2-7 years. This expansion is a response to the feedback from the farming community and an acknowledgment of the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.

Agrecovery chief executive Tony Wilson says that this is a landmark achievement not only for Agrecovery but for the entire New Zealand primary industry.

“Our accredited GPSS underscores our dedication to stewardship and sustainable practices, driven by the demands and cooperation of New Zealand’s farmers and growers. We’re looking forward to expanding our schemes and fostering innovation and collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for all.”

The GPSS will operate as a voluntary scheme until regulations are in place to ensure all producers of the targeted products participate.

Regulations proposed by the industry-led scheme co-design process to support the GPSS would require those selling the targeted products paying levies to enable a free nationwide collection network for farmers and growers.

More like this

Recycling 10,000 cow collars

MSD Animal Health New Zealand has partnered with Agrecovery in New Zealand’s first pilot to recycle SenseHub Dairy Collars (previously known as Allflex Collars) used by its dairy farmer clients.

Seeds of change

A proposed recycling levy on commonly used polyethylene woven seed sacks and bags is likely to come into effect next year.

Farm plastics recyclers join forces

The two main plastic collection programmes in New Zealand’s primary sector have agreed to work together to improve the services they provide farmers and growers.

Featured

Accident triggers traffic alert in barns, sheds

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

SustaiN lands NZ registration

Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.

National

Miraka CEO steps down

The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal…

Machinery & Products

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand…

Good just got great

Already well respected in the UTV sector for performance, reliability and a competitive price point, CFMOTO has upped the ante…

Nedap NZ launch

Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

O Canada

OPINION: Donald Trump's focus on Canada is causing concern for the country’s dairy farmers.

Plant-based fad

OPINION: The fact that plant-based dairy is struggling to gain a market foothold isn’t deterring new entrants.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter