It has never been easier for farmers to recycle fertiliser bags, with over 235 recycling centres provided throughout the country each year from April to July. These centres, which are provided by IFFPG, the national farm plastics recycling scheme, accept the full range of farm plastic waste, including fertiliser bags. Farmers have responded very positively to the service, with almost 1,000t of fertiliser bags collected for recycling in 2019. While the vast majority of waste collected is silage wrap and pit covers, increasing amounts of fertiliser bag waste is also being collected. Since the fertiliser bag recycling service was initiated in 2010, the volume of waste recycled has increased from just 100t to almost 1,000t last year. The year-on-year increase in recycling rates clearly demonstrates that farmers will respond positively if provided with a convenient and cost-effective recycling option.

So how can farmers engage with the service?

Firstly, in the case of bulk fertiliser bags, famers must remove the liners that are made from a different polymer from the outside of the bag. The liners should then be stored in a 500kg-sized bag (ideally an old bulk fertiliser bag), with the outer bag stored in another 500kg-sized bag. In the case of small fertiliser bags (50kg), which are made from another polymer, they should be stored in a 500kg-sized bag.

Farmers can find out when and where their nearest recycling centre is available by visiting www.farmplastics.ie, or by calling IFFPG at 1890 300 444. Farmers already on IFFPG’s database will receive a text message each year reminding them about their local recycling centre. Farmers are charged at the rate of €10 per 500kg-sized bag. This charge, in addition to producer contributions from fertiliser companies, funds the recycling service.

What happens to the recycled plastic?

All fertiliser bags collected at recycling centres are recycled into a range of new products. In the case of the outer part of bulk fertiliser bags, they are recycled into products such as garden furniture, crates and boxes, while the liners of the bulk fertiliser bags and the small fertiliser bags are typically recycled into new packaging products.

For further information, contact IFFPG at info@farmplastics.ie or call 1890 300 444.