New Zealand to introduce nationwide farm plastics recycling scheme

New Zealand is set to introduce a regulated nationwide recycling scheme for agricultural plastics, with the new system due to begin on 1 March 2027.

The Rural Recycling Scheme will cover materials including agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, replacing existing voluntary arrangements with a national take-back system.

The scheme will be managed by the not-for-profit Agrecovery Foundation and has been developed by industry with input from farmers, according to New Zealand Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg.

Existing voluntary programmes operated by Agrecovery and Plasback currently recover less than half of the plastics covered by the schemes that are used by farmers and growers.

Under the new system, producers will pay a fee on products sold to fund recycling services. Farmers and growers will then have access to a nationwide network of free take-back locations and collection services.

An existing regional network of approximately 240 collection sites is expected to be expanded to accommodate greater volumes of agricultural plastics entering recycling markets.

The scheme will also extend beyond the farming and growing sectors. Users of agrichemicals and agricultural plastics in forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and sport will be able to access the services, alongside local authorities and contractors.

A separate nationwide service will also be introduced for households to dispose of pest and weed control products.

According to Grigg, the regulated approach is intended to increase the proportion of agricultural plastics recovered for recycling and reduce the amount disposed of through landfill, burial or burning on farms.

The existing voluntary recycling programmes will remain in operation until the Rural Recycling Scheme begins on 1 March 2027.