Strong turnout sees 42 tonnes of farm plastics diverted from landfill
Manawatū farmers have helped divert nearly 42 tonnes of farm plastics from landfill following a successful recycling event hosted by Manawatū District Council in partnership with Plasback.
Held over 15–16 April, the Farm Waste Recycling event attracted 74 farmers, with a total of 190 Plasback liners of bale wrap and silage stack covers collected.
The event not only supported sustainable waste practices but also delivered financial benefits, with farmers saving the $50 per liner collection fee totalling $9,500 in overall collection costs. Those supplied with liners through Council also avoided an additional $31 per liner cost.
Manawatū District Council Waste Minimisation Team, says the strong response reflects the demand for practical, on-the-ground solutions.
“This is about making it easy for farmers to recycle materials that are part of everyday operations. The turnout shows there’s a continued appetite for accessible, responsible options.”
Funded through the waste levy received by Council from the Ministry for the Environment, the event was delivered at no cost to ratepayers.
All plastics collected will now be processed through Plasback’s accredited recycling programme, which repurposes the liners into products such as Tuffboard, Tuffdeck and underground cable covers rather than sent to landfill or burned.
Council acknowledged the support of partners including Plasback, CNH, Transag, The Glob , Maskills and Manfeild Park. Special thanks to the Feilding Agricultural High School Girls 1st XV rugby team for their help across both days!
With the event filling quickly and strong interest from the rural community, Council is now looking at running another collection event within the next year.
Farmers keen to take part are encouraged to email Infrastructure@mdc.govt.nz to be notified when details are confirmed.
See the Farm Waste drone footage here: Farm Plastic Waste Collection Event
