Waikato and South Canterbury farmers safely disposed of more than 14 tonnes of waste at two inaugural one-stop recycling and recovery events, and demonstrated their support for more options to sustainably clear waste from our rural communities.

In efforts to avoid harmful disposal practices such as burning, burying or storing, rural recycling programme Agrecovery partnered with Plasback to deliver one-stop-shop recycling events in Matamata and Geraldine on May 25 and May 31 respectively. The events are part of the New Zealand Rural Waste Minimisation Project led by Environment Canterbury with support from the Ministry for the Environment - trialling new ways of supporting farmers and growers to recycle inorganic waste.

More than 100 farmers cleared nearly four and a half tonnes of agrichemical containers and drums; nearly three tonnes of agrichemicals; almost five and a half tonnes of used motor oil and their containers; and two tonnes of fertiliser bags at the events and via on-farm collections carried out as part of the initiative.

“These farmers demonstrate a commendable commitment to the safe recovery and recycling of waste, by preparing it and bringing it for disposal,” says Agrecovery General Manager Simon Andrew.

“For the first ever events of this kind, we’re extremely pleased with the result,” adds Andrew. “It sends the clear message that farmers are invested in being good stewards of their land and are willing to make a little effort to help preserve the environment.”

Project Manager for the New Zealand Rural Waste Minimisation Project, Fraser Scott of True North Consulting, says the events were “run very efficiently and smoothly” and that feedback from attendees was “overwhelmingly positive”.

Attendees were supportive of the ‘one-stop-shop’ approach for rural waste. Farmers reported that dealing with all of their waste at once was an “easy and convenient option,” says Scott.

Farmers felt that rural waste events should be regular – one or two a year. Many committed to encouraging their neighbours to participate too, notes Scott.

ENDS

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