Wash and organise your plastic containers for upcoming recycling events in Reporoa and Te Puna - it's free!
Rural recycling has jumped in the Bay of Plenty, new figures show.
Data from Agrecovery reveals 19,268kg was recycled in the 12 months to end of June 2015, compared to 12,060kg to the end of June 2014.
Agrecovery sales and marketing manager Duncan Scotland said the year-on-year growth in recycling rates "is indicative of the continued change in attitude to disposal of farm plastics.
"We know that farmers and growers are becoming more familiar with the negative impact of burning or burying on human and animal health, aquatic life and the wider environment. We also know that our international customers expect us to practice good environmental practices.
"In addition, using recycled plastic over new plastic in manufacturing provides significant energy savings.
"It's a win-win however you look at," he said.
Since 2014, Agrecovery had also held three container recycling events in Te Puna and one in Reporoa. Each location is hosting another event next month.
A total of 3000 containers were collected with an average increase of 15 per cent over 12 months, he said. It's an easy way to dispose of containers.
"Farmers and growers can take an easy environmental win with free recycling through these events.
"While other environmental improvements may require planning and capital investment, Agrecovery container recycling provides a quick win to improve sustainability.
"It's also a requirement for NZ GAP and other quality assurance programmes, so we'd encourage anyone who uses agrichemicals, animal health and dairy hygiene containers to bring them down. We also provide a collection receipt which can be used as for audit purposes."
Containers brought in for recycling would be processed in Auckland, with one of the common uses for the plastic being underground cable cover.
Recycling with Agrecovery was free for most container brands, thanks to industry support from 64 manufacturers and distributors.
"We really hope farmers will throw their triple-rinsed empties on the ute and make the most of this opportunity," said Mr Scotland.
TO RECYCLE:
* Containers must be 0-60 litres in size, free of chemical residue, dirt and other contamination inside and out, and still have the label on to identify the brand.
* All containers will be inspected before being accepted. Only containers from participating brand owners are free to recycle.
* A list of these and full acceptance criteria are available by calling 0800247326 or visiting the website www.agrecovery.co.nz.