FARMERS in the Rural City of Swan Hill could have a new option for getting rid of bulk agricultural plastics after municipal staff called for participants to join a recycling trial.
Know as an Innovative Circular Agricultural Plastics Economy, or CAPE, project, the effort is aiming to reducing the amount of agricultural plastics put into landfill or disposed of in other ways.
“A recent study by RMCG revealed the Loddon Mallee region is the leading producer of agricultural plastic waste in Australia, believe it or not, generating approximately 10,000 tonnes annually,” said SHRCC’s director of infrastructure Leah Johnston.
“Alongside Sustainability Victoria, Council is spearheading efforts to address this issue and promote sustainability in the region.”
Plastics included in the trail include table grape covers and tunnel film, as well as broadacre cropping supplies like grain tubes and silo bags.
Other agricultural plastics could be includes at a later time.
Expressions of interest to join the program opened last week, while farmers accepted into the trail can drop off plastics to sites from today.
“Farmers are asked to visit Council’s Let’s Talk website to complete an online form to participate in the trial,” Ms Johnson said.
“Prior to drop-off, farmers are requested to ensure that the plastic waste is clean, free from vegetation and tightly rolled or coiled.”
