A call is being made for the views of rural New Zealanders on proposed regulations to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said the proposal was an industry-led initiative and 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.
The proposed regulations would support a nationally consistent product stewardship scheme for agrichemicals, their containers, and farm plastics, helping farmers and growers reduce their environmental impact while maintaining productivity, Ms Simmonds said.
"These regulations will provide a unified system where producers, sellers, and users take responsibility for the entire product life-cycle, from design to disposal."
The programme would ensure farmers had access to free-to-use drop-off sites and collection services while working alongside regulations for producers and importers.
"Key industry stakeholders back the scheme, which offers a better alternative to burning or burying plastic waste on farms. Rural communities want a simple, effective system, and we welcome feedback to refine the proposed regulations,"
Public consultation opened last week and runs until June 1.
Agrecovery welcomes the government’s launch of public consultation on the proposed regulation of Agrecovery’s Farm Plastics Product Stewardship Scheme—a critical step towards building a consistent, convenient, and future-focused recycling system for New Zealand’s primary sector.
Agrecovery chief executive Tony Wilson said the proposed scheme was 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 first stage of the scheme will cover four key farm plastics: Agrichemical containers and drums; bale wrap and silage sheet; small seed, feed and fertiliser bags; large grain and fertiliser bags.
Over time, the scheme may expand to cover additional materials such as netting, irrigation pipe, and plant pots — ensuring a full, end-to-end solution for managing on-farm plastic waste.
Agrecovery runs voluntary recycling programmes for many of these materials and regulation will enable the network to grow and offer more reliable access to free drop-off services across New Zealand.
Submissions can be made through the Ministry for the Environment website.
