New Rural Recycling Scheme to Replace Voluntary Farm Plastics Programmes by 2027
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg has announced details of a new rural plastics recycling scheme.
Rural Waste Sorted NZ aims to make waste management easier to understand and easier to put into practice, without suggesting farmers need to change everything at once.
“A Spirit of Kaitiakitanga”
Dairy farmer and Rural Waste Sorted NZ ambassador Trish Rankin said farmers already have a strong motivation to look after the land for future generations.
“There’s that real spirit of kaitiakitanga, so one thing I’ve noticed about farmers is that they want to ensure they get the right waste back into the right place,” Rankin said.
“My vision for rural waste is that there is a solution for every waste stream that comes on farm, that it doesn’t cost farmers anything to do the right thing. If I buy something, there’s a way that I can manage the packaging that it comes in.”
Seven-Part Video Series
A key feature of the website is a seven-part video series featuring farmers and industry representatives. They talk about the waste challenges they face and the changes they have made on their farms.
The series covers:
- Why better waste management matters
- Common farm waste streams
- Working with staff and suppliers
- Practical ways to get started
- Finding the right waste pathways
- Where to go for more support
The website also brings together information about existing recycling and waste-management programmes and resources, helping farmers find options relevant to their farm and region.
Start with What's Practical
Rather than promoting one-size-fits-all solutions, Rural Waste Sorted NZ encourages farmers to start with what is practical for their own farm.
Rural Waste Sorted NZ spokesperson and Otago regional waste officer Anna Robinson said the website is designed to be useful whether farmers are just starting to think about waste or already taking action.
“Farmers are already making positive changes to the way they manage waste on farm,” Robinson said. “The video series will appeal to those looking for a way to get started but who haven’t yet found the ‘how’ or the ‘what’. It has great information and useful resources for farmers nationwide who are already working to minimise and manage waste.”
