- Hon Nicola Grigg
The Government is introducing a new nationwide rural recycling scheme that will significantly increase the recovery of farm plastics from March next year, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today.
"The new, regulated Rural Recycling Scheme will expand recycling and recovery of agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, with a new nationwide take-back system, replacing the current voluntary recycling schemes.
"The scheme has been designed by industry and - with the support of farmers - will significantly increase the recovery and recycling of farm plastics. It will be managed by the not-for-profit Agrecovery Foundation.
"We've listened to feedback from farmers and growers who wanted a simple take-back system that is easy to use and can take all the usual plastic farm products into one recycling system.
"The voluntary schemes, operated by Agrecovery and Plasback, currently collect under half of the in-scope plastics that farmers and growers use. The new national system will significantly increase recycling and recovery, and reduce the quantity of farm plastics going to landfills, being buried or burnt on farms."
The scheme will require producers to contribute a small fee for products sold to support a free, nationwide network of take-back sites and collection services. The existing regional network of around 240 take-back sites will be expanded to allow for the increased volume of rural plastics for recycling markets.
"Recycling services will operate in tandem with collection services for agrichemicals, making it easier to safely manage unused end-of-life products," Ms Grigg says.
"Take-back services will also be available to other users of agrichemicals and farm plastics including the forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and sport sectors, and local authorities and contractors. Households will also have a bespoke national service for their pest and weed control products."
Existing voluntary schemes will continue to operate until the Rural Recycling Scheme starts on 1 March 2027.
