a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Farm plastics plan by NRW to cut River Cleddau pollution
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has set up drop-off centres within the rivers Cleddau, Teifi, Tywi and Usk catchment areas where farmers can drop off silage bale wrap, clamp cover sheeting, fertiliser and feed bags, and feed buckets.
The scheme is supported by Agriculture Plastics Environment, Birch Farm Plastics and Afonydd Cymru, who will provide the service at a reduced rate compared to charges for on-farm collection.
NRW wants to recycle an additional 200t of farm plastics through the trial scheme.
Chris Thomas, senior land management officer at Four Rivers for Life, says farm plastics have been found in the Cleddau, Teifi and Tywi rivers.
'Rivers can only fully perform this function and support farmers if they are healthy and free from pollution and plastic waste,'' he said.
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A report in 2023 by non-governmental organisation Wrap found that the UK has an agri-plastic recycling rate of 20-30%, which is significantly lower than other European countries, including Germany, France and Ireland who have recycling rates of 65%, 80% and 90% respectively.
These countries operate drop off centres and these significantly help farmers recycle their used farm plastics.
In 2024, West Wales Rivers Trust (WWRT) carried out a survey of 100 farms to review current practices on the disposal of agricultural plastics in Carmarthenshire and across Wales.
The results showed that cost was one of the main barriers preventing more farmers recycling their silage plastic waste.
Cheryl Birch, director at Birch Farm Plastics, which is partnering NRW in the scheme, said the company's costs can be lower when collecting from drop-off centres and those savings can therefore be passed onto farmers.
One of the dedicated drop-off sites is at Crymych. More information can be found at
