Good Practice guide for Agricultural Waste Plastics collection and recovery
Whilst details of the Government’s proposals in terms of draft Regulations and consultation are not likely to emerge before 2008, there are a number of measures that farmers in particular should be looking to address now in order to facilitate future recycling of waste plastics and avoidance of landfilling.
The Agricultural Waste Plastics Collection and Recovery Programme has issued general guidance to farmers for the handling, segregation and storage of agricultural waste plastics (AWP).
The AWP Programme was set up to assist the Government’s development of a Producer Responsibility scheme for non-packaging farm plastics that might ultimately encourage the majority of all farm plastics to be collected and recovered.
Joan Ruddock Defra Minister for Waste said: “Farmers have a vital role to play in reducing waste by increasing the amount they recycle. It is essential that Government works in partnership with farmers to provide them with guidance on how best to do this. The Good Practice guide for Waste Plastics collection and recovery offers practical advice on the best ways of managing plastics to increase the amount collected and recycled.
“I recognise that Government also needs to reduce the bureaucratic burden for farmers who at present are responsible for the disposal of their plastics and that is why we are currently developing a range of proposals for a new Producer Responsibility scheme. We will consult on the scheme in the New Year.”
A 2-page summary leaflet and a more detailed 4-page guidance note can be downloaded from the Programme’s website: www.agwasteplastics.org.uk
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Related categories: Environmental legislation Plastic recycling
