Building a Sustainable Future, The Next Step in Farm Plastic Recycling

New Zealand’s agricultural sector is on the cusp of a significant shift in its approach to plastic waste management.

Agrecovery’s Green-farms Product Stewardship Scheme aims to deliver a simple, nationwide solution for recycling farm plastics - making sustainable choices easier for every farmer.

The Government has just closed public consultation on the proposed regulation of Agrecovery’s Farm Plastics Product Stewardship Scheme, a move that signals a step towards a nationwide, coordinated recycling system for farm plastics. This long-awaited development aims to streamline existing efforts and ensure that farmers and growers have access to a consistent and effective way to manage plastic waste on their properties.

Tony Wilson, Chief Executive of Agrecovery, sees this as a crucial milestone.

“This is a positive and long-awaited step forward for the sector. New Zealand farmers and growers want recycling systems that are easy to use and fit for purpose. Regulation will give Agrecovery the tools to scale up services, expand access to recycling, and deliver a more consistent nationwide system for managing the complexity of plastic use in farming today.”

The scheme’s first phase focuses on four key farm plastics: agrichemical containers and drums, bale wrap and silage sheet, small seed, feed, and fertiliser bags, and large grain and fertiliser bags. Over time, it is expected to expand to include additional materials such as netting, irrigation pipe, and plant pots, ensuring a more comprehensive solution for on-farm plastic waste. While Agrecovery has already been running voluntary recycling programmes for many of these materials, regulation will provide the necessary framework to enhance and extend these services.

Farmers have long struggled with the challenge of plastic waste disposal, often resorting to burning or burying materials that have no viable recycling pathway. Anders Crofoot, Agrecovery Board Chair and a farmer himself, acknowledges the need for a more accessible system.

“It’s great to see us moving closer to a regulated scheme that’s simple, free, and accessible for farmers to use. We know the demand is there — this is about making sure every farmer has access to a service that makes doing the right thing the easy thing.”

The Government’s commitment to improving farm plastic waste management is evident in the backing of Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, who underscores the benefits of a streamlined approach.

“The proposal — an industry-led initiative — would bring the existing Agrecovery and Plasback programmes into a single national recycling system, making services simpler and more accessible for all users of regulated farm plastics.”

Public consultation will shape the final regulations and ensure they meet the needs of those directly affected. The scheme, provisionally named Green-farms, is designed to work not only for farmers and growers but also for industries such as forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, and tourism. Local authorities and households are also expected to benefit, as the initiative includes take-back services for pest and weed control product containers.

Simmonds emphasises the importance of collective responsibility.

“Plastic products are vital to New Zealand’s world-leading agri-economy, but rural communities know that waste like agrichemical containers and bale wrap can quickly pile up. These regulations will provide a unified system where producers, sellers, and users take responsibility for the entire product lifecycle, from design to disposal.”

The Government aims to ensure that the scheme reflects the needs of those who will be using it while reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

A significant boost to the initiative came with the accreditation of Agrecovery’s Green-farms Product Stewardship Scheme (GPSS) under the Waste Minimisation Act (2008). This recognition reinforces the programme’s credibility and signals a broader industry commitment to sustainability. Wilson describes the accreditation as a landmark achievement.

“This is a landmark achievement not only for Agrecovery but for the entire New Zealand primary industry. Our accredited GPSS underscores our dedication to stewardship and sustainable practices, driven by the demands and cooperation of New Zealand’s farmers and growers. We’re looking forward to expanding our schemes and fostering innovation and collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for all.”

The scheme will operate on a voluntary basis until regulations mandate participation. Under the proposed framework, those selling targeted farm plastics would contribute levies to fund a free nationwide collection network, ensuring that all farmers and growers can access recycling services without financial barriers.

Industry leaders have welcomed the accreditation, recognising its potential to drive sustainable farming practices. Nadine Tunley, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand, sees the scheme as a game-changer for growers.

“The GPSS is a game-changer for our industry and will enable growers to recycle a more diverse range of plastic packaging. It is an example of the necessity of operational coordination and cost-sharing to manage the collection and treatment of farm plastics to improve the sustainability of our sector.”

For the dairy industry, this initiative represents another step towards reducing its environmental footprint. Dr David Burger, DairyNZ’s General Manager of Farm Solutions and Policy, underscores the value of a structured recycling system.

“New Zealand dairy farmers are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, including minimising plastic waste. The GPSS offers a solution to enable our farmers to progress further along this journey.”

Agrecovery’s vision extends beyond the initial scope of the scheme. Plans are already in place to expand its reach over the next two to seven years, bringing more farm plastics into the recycling framework. This phased approach is designed to address the evolving needs of the agricultural sector and respond to feedback from farmers and growers.

Wilson reinforces the long-term ambition of the programme.

“The GPSS is a purpose-driven solution to elevate New Zealand as a world leader in sustainable agricultural practices and represents a significant step forward towards a circular future led by innovation and purpose.”

Farmers and growers across New Zealand now have the opportunity to shape the future of farm plastic waste management. With a regulated scheme on the horizon, the industry has a chance to move beyond ad-hoc solutions and towards a system that works for everyone. As Crofoot puts it, “This is about making sure every farmer has access to a service that makes doing the right thing the easy thing.”

The next step is clear: farmers, industry stakeholders, and rural communities need to engage in the consultation process to ensure the final framework meets their needs. With regulation on the way, the opportunity to build a future-focused, nationwide recycling system is within reach.