agricultural packaging rubbish & recycling

This section contains recycling advice for farmers. In most cases, the majority of agricultural packaging waste (and other farm wastes) can be managed by following general waste management principles:

• reduce the amount of packaging entering your farm. Order in bulk, ask your supplier to use drum liners to reduce packaging waste. Try to implement 'just-in-time' ordering and good stock rotation, this will minimise the amount of out-of-date stock going to waste

• reuse packaging where suitable, some containers could be returned to the supplier for refilling. It may be possible to reuse some containers for storage but be very careful not to mix any hazardous materials

• recycle packaging if possible. Look for a local recycler in the yellow pages or try www.yell.com If you wish to obtain a packaging waste recovery note (PRN), you will need to ensure your packaging is recycled by an accredited reprocessor. Not all packaging can be recycled. Check with the reprocessor prior to recycling. Pesticide containers cannot be recycled

• disposal is the last option. The Crop Protection Association, your local Environment Agency office, and DEFRA can provide further information on safe disposal of agricultural packaging. Packaging which has been exposed to hazardous chemicals should be disposed of and stored responsibly

Wastes from agricultural premises are currently subject to consultation. For further information, click here to read the consultation document.

For further information, please contact DEFRA or check with your local environment agency office to establish whether you are bound by these regulations.

Useful links
Crop Protection Association
Fertiliser Manufacturers Association
Agricultural Industries Confederation