Donaghys joins war on waste

The scheme pioneered on-farm bin and liner collection, growing into a nationwide network of collectors and baling operations.

It has so far recovered and recycled at least 10,000 tonnes of crop packaging, much of it locally turned into Tuffboard plastic plywood from silage wrap, silage covers, polypropylene bags and twine.

Chris Hartshorne, national manager for Plasback, says plastics play a vital role in farming.

“But concern is growing about plastic waste in the environment. For years farmers have used plastic silage film to maximise feed value. Now, in the 21st century they are also increasingly aware of the need to recycle their used plastic. 

“We are seeing record numbers of farmers joining Plasback and, crucially, the companies that supply plastic to the primary sector also now know of their responsibility for their products once they are used.”

Donaghys crop packaging general manager Tony McDonald says a recent review now has the firm supplying and servicing only farmers and growers. 

“We have created a specialised sales and customer service team that is supported by the main rural merchants,” he says. “And we have joined the Plasback scheme.” 

McDonald says now that the government is encouraging agricultural waste recovery this is a good time to join other major suppliers in the agricultural sector. Donaghys will support Plasback and offer its customers bins and liners to make recycling easier.

Meanwhile, the Ministry for the Environment affirms product stewardship schemes as a good way to deal with growing volumes of waste. In these schemes, all the parties involved in the life of a product -- producer, importer, retailer and consumer -- all share responsibility to reduce that product’s environmental impact.