New Zealand is introducing a nationwide take-back and recycling scheme for agricultural plastics on 1 March 2027. The regulated „Rural Recycling Scheme“ is intended to cover plant protection product containers, bale wrap and silage wrap, among other things, and replace the previous voluntary systems.
With the new system, the New Zealand government aims to significantly increase the recovery and recycling of agricultural plastics. According to Environment Minister Nicola Grigg, the voluntary schemes currently operated by Agrecovery and Plasback capture less than half of the plastics that would fall under the future system.
According to the government, the new system was developed in cooperation with industry and is to be operated by the non-profit Agrecovery Foundation. The aim is a uniform collection structure through which farmers and horticultural businesses can dispose of various plastic products.
Manufacturers finance the take-back
The system is to be financed through contributions from manufacturers for the products sold. This is intended to establish a nationwide network of collection points and pick-up services that is free of charge for users.
The existing regional network of around 240 collection points is to be expanded in order to be able to collect larger quantities of agricultural plastics. The recycling services are also to be combined with collection services for agrochemicals.
„We have listened to the feedback from farmers and producers who wanted a simple take-back scheme that is easy to use and brings together standard agricultural plastic products into a recycling system,“ explains Environment Minister Nicola Grigg.
Offer also available for other industries
The take-back services should not be open solely to agricultural holdings. Users of agrochemicals and corresponding plastic products from forestry, industry, the catering trade, tourism and sport, as well as local authorities and service providers, should also be able to use the system. A separate nationwide scheme for the return of pest and weed control products is planned for private households.
The existing voluntary collection systems will continue until the launch of the Rural Recycling Scheme on 1 March 2027. With the new system, the government particularly aims to prevent agricultural plastics from ending up in landfill or being buried or burned on farms.
Source: Beehive.govt.nz
