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Last modified: 29 Jul 2020 10:19am

A green farm paddock of newly sprouting plants in front of a range of snowy mountains

Farmers in Ellesmere and surrounds will have the chance to take part in a new pilot farm waste recycling event providing a one-stop-shop to dispose of farm plastics, chemicals and oil.

The pilot Agrecovery programme will be in Ellesmere on Monday 9 September. During the day farmers and growers who have preregistered will be able to drop off chemical containers, silage and bale wrap, fertiliser and feedbags, waste oil and unwanted chemicals for recycling, or safe disposal.

To take part in the day people must register, book a time and indicate the type of wastes they will be bringing. The location will be provided to registered attendees.

The Council is partnering with Agrecovery for the day. Given our large rural sector, we jumped at the chance to offer the Selwyn district as one of six places nationwide to get the programme first, Council Solid Waste manager Andrew Boyd says.

“Council is committed to working with the rural community to help find sustainable options for disposing of farm waste. The Agrecovery One-Stop-Shop rural waste recycling events provide a great opportunity for the community to dispose of waste safely, especially in more remote rural communities. We encourage people to get behind these events and register.”

Agrecovery held two similar trial events in 2018 in Geraldine and Matamata and collected nearly 20 tonnes of rural waste. Geraldine Farm Manager Aaron Gorrie participated in the 2018 event and says it was a positive day that he hoped others would take advantage of.

“Like most farmers we are committed to sustainable farming. It’s important to leave a legacy for future generations. We have a Farm Environment Plan in place, and we work hard to ensure we meet the requirements of the plan. This is a great opportunity to have unwanted chemicals correctly disposed of.”