Wednesday, 03 November 2021 08:55

Fertiliser bags now able to be recycled

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Rural recycling programme AgRecovery is rolling out the recycling of bags made from low density polyethylene.

Free recycling of plastic agricultural bags is now available to farmers and growers.

Rural recycling programme AgRecovery says it is "turning up the dial" on sustainability, with the rollout of recycling of bags made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic in Marlborough and Hawke's Bay. This comes ahead of a nationwide rollout, following successful trials held in the regions last year.

Operations advisor Felicity Mitchell says the success of these trials and the enthusiasm of farmers and growers are behind the move to a permanent solution for the bags, which are used for fertiliser and fungicides.

"Our focus is now on finding other sites around the country for collecting the plastic and engaging more manufacturers to support the programme," she explains.

"LDPE is a low-quality plastic, making it more difficult to recycle, but we don't want it being burnt or buried on farms. We're passionate about finding the most sustainable solution for all the products we collect."

After 15 years of offering container and drum recycling, the not-for-profit organisation is partnering with agricultural manufacturers to clear more plastic from farms.

This initiative is part of a broader plan that AgRecovery is developing, with the government and industry, to set up product stewardship schemes for the sector.

Featured

Ballance Returns to Profit, Announces $18.2m Rebate

Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.

Mark Cameron Steps Down, Reflects on Farmers' Voice

When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.

What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?

Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.

Ex-National MP: Coup Attempt Could Cost Luxon the Election

I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

RMA Reform Still on Track Despite Wellington Drama — Feds

Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.

NZ Pest Crisis Costs Farmers $466M a Year — Survey

New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.