Plasback has today welcomed the Government’s decision to approve regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme for agrichemicals and farm plastics.
The industry led scheme will bring the existing Agrecovery and Plasback programmes together into a single national system that is simple, free to use and accessible for all users of agrichemicals and farm plastics. Agrecovery will manage the scheme on behalf of producers and rural communities.
The Farming community has been committed to recycling with Agrecovery and Plasback for many years, motivated by a strong commitment to responsible land and resource stewardship. These regulations will ensure all producers contribute to the cost associated with managing plastic waste in the New Zealand Primary Sector.
Plasback Commercial Manager, Neal Shaw, said the decision recognises the groundwork already done and lifts performance to a new level.
“It is great to see the investment that Agrecovery and Plasback have made over the last 20 years continue to drive awareness and impact for plastic collection. Bringing that experience together under regulation is a real step change for rural recycling. Removing free riders will help the scheme deliver a more effective and efficient service for farmers and growers.”
The new rural recycling scheme will cover key farm plastics including agrichemical containers and drums, bale wrap and silage film, small bags used for agricultural products and bulk woven polypropylene bags.The Government’s announcement marks an important step for the agricultural industry and Plasback remains committed to collaborating with government agencies and industry partners to drive meaningful progress.