Farm Plastic Regulations

Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations, 2001.

Farm Plastics Recovery Scheme

A farm plastics recovery scheme was established in 1997 with the objective of increasing the recycling of farm plastics waste (silage bale wrap and sheeting). The scheme, which was underpinned by the Waste Management (Farm plastics) Regulations 1997, was revised and replaced by the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations, 2001.

The 2001 Regulations impose various obligations on manufacturers and suppliers in relation to the collection and recovery of farm plastics placed on the market. Under the Regulations, a producer / supplier of farm plastics has the choice of either complying with the regulations directly or alternatively participating in the approved scheme. The scheme has been operated by the Irish Farm Films Producers Group. (IFFPG) and under this scheme, producers apply a levy on the sale of farm plastics which in turn is transferred to the IFFPG for use in funding the collection and recovery of farm plastics waste.

National Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme

IFFPG is Ireland's only government licensed recycling compliance scheme, responsible for providing an efficient and cost effective farm plastics recycling service to farmers nationwide. IFFPG collects both at the farmyard and at bring-centres. The Scheme is "not for profit" and funded through a levy that is charged on all silage plastic that members place on the market, as well as a weight based collection fee charged to farmers.

Contact IFFPG Ltd on LoCall 1890 300 444 for further information or www.farmplastics.ie.

What happens to rogue suppliers!

Suppliers who are not imposing the recycling levy or buying/selling plastic on the black market will be visited by Environmental Enforcement Officers of Kilkenny County Council. Strict fines under the Farm Plastic Regulations 2001 will be imposed on producers and suppliers of plastic where no visible levy has been paid.

Should you have any queries in relation to Farm Plastic Recycling, please contact Environment Section, Kilkenny County Council, 056-7794470.

Legislation may be viewed on www.irishstatutebook.ie