A new plastic recycling scheme is being tested on Welsh farms.
Reporting by E+E Leader explored the new pilot recycling scheme put into place in farms across South Wales in the UK.
This plan aims to divert 200 tons of plastic waste created by the agricultural industry by making drop-off recycling points more available and affordable. Usually, this waste ends up in rivers and pollutes waterways, but the new project hopes to see it properly recycled.
Four river catchments, known as the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau, and Usk, are all official Special Areas of Conservation, teeming with wildlife and vulnerable creatures, such as salmon, lamprey, and otters. These four areas are the focus of the new “Four Rivers for LIFE” project, created by Natural Resources Wales, Agriculture Plastics Environment, Birch Farm Plastics, and Afonydd Cymru, according to E+E Leader.
Shockingly, the UK’s agricultural plastic waste recycling is one of the lowest in Western Europe, according to E+E Leader, with only 20-30% of all plastic waste created by farms ending up recycled.
Silage wrap and bale netting are two of the worst offenders when it comes to agricultural waste, and many farmers cite cost as a barrier to recycling. The scheme offers lower-cost recycling access to more farmers across South Wales, aiming to make it simpler and more affordable for agricultural workers to dispose of waste properly.
Reducing plastic waste has a massive benefit for individuals, communities, and the environment. Less unsightly litter clogging up rivers makes it easier to enjoy the landscape, safer in the knowledge that the waste won’t be a choking hazard to children, pets, or other animals.
Microplastics from agricultural waste can be shed into waterways, ending up in drinking water. Associated with a whole host of health risks, these tiny fragments of plastic are a real concern, which could hopefully be less widespread with recycling schemes such as this one.
Senior land management officer for the project, Chris Thomas, asserted that, “Rivers can only support farmers and communities if they are healthy and free from pollution and plastic waste.”
Ian Creasey of the non-profit organization Agriculture Plastics Environment commented per E+E Leader, “‘Drop off centers’ significantly help farmers in recycling their used farm plastics.” He added, “This scheme is dedicated to supporting farmers while helping protect these rivers from plastics pollution.”
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.