Farm Waste Plastic Collection - Best Practice
Once you have finished with your plastics, you should take care of it by storing in an appropriate manner prior to collection. Different requirements are from different collectors and the one you engage with will provide you with their appropriate measures.
Most collection vehicles are fitted with loading equipment and materials should be positioned away from overhead cables, buildings and trees on collection day. Also, storing your plastic in a place it can be collected from reduces the chance of any extra contamination or extra work by having to move it again.
Sometimes, farmers have access to drop-off points, so by storing in bags, it reduces the chance of further contamination and is easier to move.
If you have not engaged with a collector at the moment, please follow these simple guidelines:-
Silage Bale Wrap (PE)
Take off bale and give shake or brush clean if appropriate prior to storing in a bag or a secure storage area prior to collection (Most collectors accept all colours mixed together).
Clamp Covers (PE)
Take covers off clamp and turn inside out to remove straw and tyres etc. Roll into a bundle and tie with plastic string before being put into a bag or secure storage area.
Small Plastic Packaging Bags (PE)
Empty contents and give bag a shake prior to storing with other films as above or in a separate bag or compartment.
Net Wrap (HD)
Take off bale and shake off as much hay and straw etc., as possible. Store in a bag prior to collection.
String (PP)
Take off bale and shake off as much hay and straw etc., as possible. Store in a bag prior to collection.
Feed Lick Buckets (PP)
Should be empty of all contents. Any metal handles removed, then stored in a bag or secure area prior to collection.
Agri Chemical and Detergent Drums (HD)
Should be triple rinsed prior to storage in sealed bags for collection (some companies insist lids should be in separate bag).
Fertiliser & Feed Bags (PP)
Should be thoroughly emptied prior to storing in a bag or secure area prior to collection (some companies ask for inside PE liner to be removed which can be stored with your PE as above).
Crop Cover & Mulch Film (PE)
Significant effort should be taken to remove as much soil and straw as possible prior to rolling onto a roll (if possible do not roll onto a core as this will reduce its chance of recycling). Removing materials in dry weather conditions reduces contamination, however, this is not always possible in modern day farming practice. Information is becoming available on sweepers or clean bars to clean the material prior to it being rolled. Secure by tying with plastic string or wrap with film to hold in one piece.
Fleece
The nature of fleece means that it absorbs a lot of moisture and soil. Only dry conditions when rolling will reduce heavy contamination. Secure by tying with plastic string or wrap with film to hold in one piece.
Polytunnel
Polytunnel should be rolled up without any cores and make sure any chemicals have been washed off prior to rolling, then tie with string or wrap with film to hold in one piece.