Extending the 'responsibility' for non-packaging farm plastics recycling << Back to Main News Page Added: Monday, 19 June 2006 In March Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) announced that the UK would introduce statutory producer responsibility regulations to increase the collection and recycling of non-packaging farm plastics. This legislation will cover the producers of agricultural films. It is expected that any collection schemes set up will incorporate packaging farm plastics waste and the estimated 65,000 tonnes of non-packaging plastics waste arising on farms in England each year This move is in preparation for the formal introduction later this year, of the Waste Management Regulations, banning farmers from burning or burying waste, including plastics. Local Environmental Quality Minister, Ben Bradshaw explained that this approach was favoured after careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders that included the producers of agricultural films. The alternative voluntary scheme approach has in the past been susceptible to 'free riders' a situation that contributed to the collapse of a previous voluntary scheme. The legislation led approach will avoid importers, undercutting domestic prices and operating with a competitive advantage, it will also send a positive message that in turn should encourage investment in farm plastics recycling. The Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme, is funding a £1m (E1.5m) project, to develop the regulations and creation of a suitable collection network. In addition the governments existing Advisory Committee on Packaging will also set-up a team, consisting of producers of both packaging and non-packaging farm plastics, the farming community, the waste industry and relevant Government Departments and Environment Agencies. For more information go to: www.defra.gov.uk and www.defra.gov.uk/Environment/waste/brew/