Kaikōura farmers are being reminded to do the right thing when it comes to recycling bale wrap.
Burning or burying farm plastics can cause ongoing issues for the environment, human health and future generations of farmers, an Environment Canterbury (ECan) spokesman says.
"We understand it can be difficult to know what to do with farm plastics, so this information is to help you know how you can do the right thing by recycling your farm plastic in Kaikōura.
"Open burning or burying of farm plastics can lead to the release of many air pollutants and hazardous by-products, including heavy metals, dioxins and furans."
This could affect people’s health and contaminate soil, waterways and food sources.
Recovery systems, including recycling farm plastics, helped reduce the harm on the environment and people’s health, he said.
On-farm collection of plastics, such as bale wrap and silage sheet, polypropylene and twine, was available in Kaikōura through Plasback, a farming recycling solutions company.
Liners and bins could be ordered online at www.plasback.co.nz or from rural supply stores.
Ecolab blue drums were free to recycle and were also collected by Plasback directly from farms.
"Just remember to triple rinse them, remove the label and ensure no other hazardous substance has been stored in them," the spokesman said.
Farm plastics that could not be recycled could be taken to the Innovative Waste Kaikōura refuse transfer station for disposal to a landfill.
The spokesman said that while farm pits were a permitted activity if conditions were met, "we want you to be aware of the alternatives that are available, as this may prevent problems on the farm later".
Farmers in the Kaikōura area could contact local Plasback collector Anderson Hay & Baleage Kaikōura for information and bag collection. Call Matt Anderson, 027253-9270.
