The Importance of Recycling Farm Plastic Waste: Insights from Experts

This Episode Covers: 

Why it is important to recycle farm plastic waste.

What is the aim of the new Green Tractor Scheme and does this initiative help not only the environment but your farm business too. 

Why do we need to think about recycling farm plastic?

Amy Watkins, Sustainability Manager for Agrii:
Recycling is essential not only at the farm level but also in everyday life and across businesses. While producing waste is often unavoidable, most of it ends up in landfill, leading to increased costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy use to manage landfill sites. More people are becoming aware of recycling's importance to minimize waste and its environmental impact.

What are the main reasons to recycle farm plastic?

Joe Farmer, Project Coordinator for the Green Tractor Recycling Scheme:
Plastic often receives negative media coverage, highlighted by images of wildlife entangled in plastic waste. However, plastic is durable, cheap, and highly effective in farming. The challenge lies in managing it responsibly at the end of its life.

Improper disposal—polluting soil, water, or burning—affects not only individual farms but the wider community. Recycling helps extend the life of plastic, turning it into new products like refuse sacks and bin bags.

What is the Green Tractor Scheme, and what are its key aims?

Joe Farmer:
The Green Tractor Scheme was launched in 2020, though the idea has roots in the 2004 EU legislation that prohibited farmers from burning or burying plastic. This prompted entrepreneurs to establish recycling businesses. However, recent reports show only 20-30% of plastic on the market gets recycled. The scheme aims to increase this percentage by encouraging collaboration among recycling businesses to make recycling accessible and effective for all farmers.

How does the Green Tractor Scheme plan to help UK agriculture recycle all farm plastics by 2030?

Joe Farmer:
While aiming for 100% recycling is ambitious, it’s a target to strive for. Initial efforts focus on readily recyclable plastics like fertiliser bags. Collaborations with companies such as Agrii, Origin, and Yara, alongside manufacturers like Flexibles, have set up recycling sites to process these bags. More complex items, like silage wrap, present economic challenges, impacting the ability to achieve a 100% target.

Can we achieve zero waste to landfill in farming?

Amy Watkins:
Reducing waste sent to landfill should be a goal for every industry. While barriers exist, Agrii’s participation in the Green Tractor Scheme aligns with its zero-waste-to-landfill objective. Efforts include making farm products like seed bags 100% recyclable and incorporating at least 30% recycled material. However, after these products reach farms, their disposal relies on farmers’ actions, making it essential to support them with knowledge and resources for recycling.

How does recycling farm plastic fit into Agrii’s Green Horizons initiative and carbon footprint strategy?

Amy Watkins:
Sending waste to landfill emits greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Recycling contributes to reducing these emissions and fits into Agrii’s strategy for managing scope three emissions—factors the company indirectly influences, including how its products are used and disposed of. Proper waste management is crucial for farms and businesses in the supply chain to meet net-zero targets.

How does the Green Tractor Scheme work for farmers?

Joe Farmer:
Farmers interested in recycling can search for the Green Tractor Scheme online. The website lists certified collectors audited to ensure proper recycling. This transparency guarantees that recycling done through Green Tractor partners is responsible, preventing waste from being improperly disposed of. Farmers can select a collector from a nationwide network and use their services easily.

What are the costs associated with recycling farm plastic through the Green Tractor Scheme?

Joe Farmer:
The scheme does not regulate prices, allowing different collectors to set their rates. Costs vary depending on the type of plastic, with silage wrap being more expensive to process than fertiliser bags or spray containers. Farmers are encouraged to contact collectors directly to compare prices and find the best fit for their needs.

How is Agrii collaborating with the Green Tractor Scheme?

Amy Watkins:
Agrii joined the Green Tractor Scheme to support customers in recycling. As part of the partnership, Agrii customers can receive a 5% discount with specific recycling specialists by using the code "agrii five" and quoting their account number when making a collection order. This initiative aims to make sustainable practices more affordable and encourage widespread adoption.

What are the consequences if farmers do not recycle their plastic waste?

Joe Farmer:
The Environment Agency conducts inspections to ensure waste is managed responsibly. Farmers found burning or burying waste may face significant fines. Compliance with assurance schemes like LEAF and Red Tractor also requires proper waste management, and failing to recycle can impact certification. Additionally, microplastic contamination poses long-term risks to soil health and crop yields.

Why should farmers prioritise recycling to protect farm health?

Amy Watkins:
Efficient resource use is crucial, as plastic originates from finite resources like crude oil. Recycling helps preserve these resources and supports a closed-loop system. Prioritising sustainability ensures farms remain productive for future generations.

How can farmers find out more about the Green Tractor Scheme?

Joe Farmer:
Farmers can speak to their Agrii agronomist or search for the Green Tractor Scheme online. The website provides detailed information on certified collectors and services to make recycling farm plastic straightforward.

Final thoughts from Agrii’s Sustainability Manager

Amy Watkins:
Farmers should take the lead in adopting sustainable practices, rather than waiting for policy changes. Taking action now supports the future of farming, ensuring that farms remain viable for the next generation.

Agrii customers are able to claim a 5% discount when making a collection order with certain recycling specialists who are involved in the Green Tractor Scheme network.

When making an order, simply use the code AGRII5, then quote your Agrii account number to claim the discount.