Recycling events being trialled for Waikato and Canterbury farmers

Farmers in Matamata and Geraldine can participate in one-stop-shop recycling events in May. This is part of a project to trial new ways of helping farmers recycle farm waste and avoid harmful disposal practices such as burning, burial and bulk storage.

The trial events are part of the New Zealand Rural Waste Minimisation Project led by Environment Canterbury with support from the Ministry for the Environment.

“Dealing with inorganic waste can be a challenge for farmers and growers. This project focuses on identifying alternatives to burning, burying and bulk storage on farms, says Isla Hepburn, Environment Canterbury’s Senior Scientist, Environmental Quality and Hazards.

“By providing a reliable and cost-effective one-stop-shop approach to rural waste, we will be helping farmers and growers to participate in rural recycling,” she adds.

Rural recycling programme Agrecovery was chosen to implement the events - in Matamata on May 25 and Geraldine on May 31. Agrecovery is partnering with Plasback to deliver these events.

Farmers can dispose of agrichemical and motor oil containers, unwanted agrichemicals, used motor oil and fertiliser bags on the day. Farmers can also dispose of silage and bale wrap which will be collected on-farm within a week either side of the event date.

Agrecovery General Manager Simon Andrew says, “the events provide an opportunity to trial a collection system for rural waste, so it can be tailored for future nationwide events in the most efficient and reliable way”, adding that “we have high ambitions to clear more rural waste by partnering with industry groups, product stewardship schemes and councils ”.

There are 100 spots available at each event for farmers to dispose of items, so are encouraged to register quickly to avoid missing out.

Waste must be booked through the Agrecovery website or by calling 0800 247 326. The booking system clarifies what waste is included and what needs to be done before bringing it in for disposal. Participants will become a member of Agrecovery and need to be from within the catchment area.

ENDS

© Scoop Media