Interest growing in farm waste disposal in South Canterbury

A field day to help farmers recycle was recently hosted at Orari Estate. Among those who took part were (from left) Timaru District Council waste minimisation manager Ruth Clarke, Environment Canterbury land management adviser Helen Risk and Woodbury farmer Ange Blair. Photo: Supplied

Safe disposal of farm waste is gaining attention across South Canterbury's rural sector.

About 40 farmers recently attended a field day at Orari Estate to learn about farm waste disposal.

The event, which took place on April 18, featured speakers from Environment Canterbury (ECan), AgRecovery, Plasback and Timaru District Council.

Participants were given an overview of the regulatory environment around waste management and how to participate in current rural recycling schemes.

They were also informed about possible future options.

The event was held ahead of rural recycling day, taking place in the Timaru district on May 31.

Timaru will host the event as part of its involvement with a pilot programme which aims to provide alternatives for agricultural waste and help shape future options.

Council waste minimisation manager Ruth Clarke said it was great to see so many farmers at the field day who were keen to find out how to improve their waste management performance.

"Many farmers are keen to improve environmental outcomes on their farms by adopting rural recycling practices," she said.

"A key part of this project is not only outlining [and] highlighting the recycling options that farmers already have, but also to gauge the response to councils [which are] making these services more readily available."

She encouraged farmers to make sure they booked in to the recycling day on May 31 to extend their knowledge further.

Next month's event, which is expected to be a one-off at this stage, is part of the New Zealand Rural Waste Minimisation Project led by ECan with support from the Ministry for the Environment.

ECan senior scientist, environmental quality and hazards Isla Hepburn said dealing with inorganic waste could be a challenge for farmers and growers.

"This project focuses on identifying alternatives to burning, burying and bulk storage on farms," she said.

"By providing a reliable and cost-effective one-stop-shop approach to rural waste, we will be helping farmers and growers to participate in rural recycling."

To find out more or to register visit agrecovery.co.nz/rural-waste-project/

alexia.johnston@alliedpress.co.nz

Central Rural Life