The government has authorised regulations for a national rural recycling programme that includes agrichemicals and farm plastics.
“This initiative is about fixing the basics while building the future with practical solutions that protect the environment, support our farmers, and ensure a productive, sustainable primary sector,” Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said.
The industry-driven scheme will combine the current Agrecovery and Plasback programmes into one national system, providing free, straightforward, and easily accessible services for all users of covered agrichemicals and farm plastics.
“We consulted on these regulations earlier this year and received strong support from the rural sector. Farmers and growers have been working towards this for a long time.”
“Today, we’ve made it happen.”
The regulations create a uniform national product stewardship framework for agrichemicals, their containers, and farm plastics—supporting farmers in minimising waste, lowering environmental impact, and enhancing long-term productivity.
“Plastic products are essential to New Zealand’s world-leading agri-economy, but rural communities know that waste like containers, plastic bags, and bale wrap can pile up,” Simmonds explained.
Forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities will also benefit from national take-back services, simplifying safe disposal for all Kiwis.
Simmonds said major industry stakeholders back the scheme since it provides a safer alternative to burning or burying plastics, lowering environmental risks and promoting cleaner, safer rural communities.