Increased efforts to recycle more ag waste

Associate Environment Minister Scott Simpson

Associate Environment Minister Scott Simpson is sending a strong message of support to help New Zealand's rural recycling programme meet an ambitious target to clear more waste.

The minister announced his decision to extend accreditation of Agrecovery as a product stewardship programme for the agrichemical and rural sector at a ceremony in Auckland on Tuesday.

"This is a vote of confidence for our scheme which, since July 1, is being solely managed by the Agrecovery Foundation," says its general manager Simon Andrew.

Since the programme commenced, Agrecovery has diverted 1800 tonnes of plastic from landfill or from harmful disposal practices like burning.

But Mr Andrew says this is not enough and aims to boost recycling efforts to clear 60 per cent of plastic containers and drums by 2020.

"This is a significant increase on the 40 per cent we are clearing today," he says.

The accreditation coincides with the launch of innovative, state-of-the-art equipment for the nation-wide collection of plastic from the agricultural sector.

Purpose-built mobile shredding units were developed by EnviroWaste Services Limited - the organisation charged with collecting the used chemical containers and drums. The first of two shredders were unveiled at the ceremony.

"By introducing this technology to collect used containers, EnviroWaste will increase the capacity for recycling for the rural sector," says Mr Andrew.

The shredders have a greater capacity, a quicker processing time and are much quieter.
"This allows EnviroWaste to respond quickly, especially in the busy season, where farmers and growers are returning lots of empty chemical containers and drums," he says.

Farmers and growers are able to drop off empty plastic containers, free of charge, at 74 drop off points across New Zealand through the programme.

For those with high volumes, on-farm pick-ups can be arranged. Agrecovery also offers free disposal of large drums and unwanted chemicals.