Farm Plastics
What are Farm Plastics?
The Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 341 of 2001), which came into effect on 23 July 2001, were introduced to promote the collection, recovery and recycling of waste farm plastics and to prevent the illegal sale of unlevied farm plastics.
Farm plastics commonly include silage wrap, bale wrap, pit covers, fertiliser bags, netting and other agricultural plastics. The Regulations place obligations on producers, suppliers and users of farm plastics and support the environmentally sound management of farm plastic waste.
Responsibilities of producers (Manufacturers and Importers)
Producers of farm plastics must either:
- Join the approved compliance scheme operated by the Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG); or
- Register with each relevant local authority in whose area they place farm plastics on the market.
- Submit relevant returns to local authorities.
- Operate a deposit and refund scheme for farm plastics placed on the market.
- Arrange for the collection and recovery of waste farm plastics.
Responsibilities of suppliers (Wholesalers, Retailers, Traders and Contractors)
Suppliers of farm plastics must:
- Participate in the approved IFFPG compliance scheme; or
- Register with each relevant local authority and submit the required returns.
- Operate a deposit and refund scheme, including charging a refundable deposit on farm plastics sold.
- Provide purchasers with information on collection and refund arrangements.
Responsibilities of Farmers
Farmers are required to ensure farm plastic waste is managed correctly and sent for recovery or recycling. Before presenting plastics for collection or delivery:
- Remove excess water, soil and debris.
- Separate different types of plastics.
- Bundle bale netting separately from bale wrap and pit covers.
- Bundle fertiliser bags separately and ensure they are free from chemical residue.
- Triple-rinse chemical containers before recycling.
Farmers should retain receipts or records of disposal as evidence that waste farm plastics have been managed correctly.
Options for Recycling Farm Plastics
Farmers can dispose of farm plastics through one of the following methods:
- Arrange collection at the farmyard through the Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG).
- Deliver waste plastics to an IFFPG bring-centre collection event.
- Deliver waste plastics directly to an authorised waste facility.
- Arrange collection by an authorised waste collector.
Authorised waste collectors for farm plastics can be found at https://www.nwcpo.ie/search-for-a-permit-holder/
Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG)
The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) is the approved national compliance scheme for farm plastics in Ireland. It provides a nationwide collection and recycling service for waste farm plastics, including farmyard collections and bring-centre collection events across the country. The organisation arranges for the recovery and recycling of collected farm plastics, helping farmers meet their obligations under the Farm Plastics Regulations. Farmers can request a collection directly from their farm or bring materials to a designated collection event. To avail of reduced collection fees, farmers should have their 6-digit IFFPG barcode available when using the service. To avail of reduced collection fees, farmers should have their 6-digit IFFPG barcode available.
Contact details of IFFPG
Phone: 01 408 9966
Website: www.farmplastics.ie
What Happens to Farm Plastic Waste?
Once collected, waste farm plastics are transported to authorised recycling facilities where they are cleaned, processed and prepared for recycling. The material is sorted to remove contaminants before being washed and treated. The recycled plastic is then converted into plastic pellets, which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new products.
These recycled materials are commonly used to produce:
- Plastic fencing and fence posts
- Outdoor furniture
- Construction and agricultural products
- Other recycled plastic products
Recycling farm plastics helps conserve resources and reduces the amount of waste sent for disposal and supports Ireland's circular economy objectives.
Reducing Farm Plastic Waste
Farmers can help minimise the environmental impact of farm plastics by adopting good waste management practices. This includes ensuring that plastics are kept clean, dry and segregated, making them easier to recycle and reducing the risk of rejection by waste collectors.
Good practice measures include:
- Recycling farm plastics regularly through approved collection schemes.
- Keeping plastics free from excess soil, water and debris.
- Separating different plastic types before collection.
- Using authorised waste collectors and recycling facilities.
Under no circumstances should farm plastic be burned or buried. This may result in prosecution under the Air Pollution Act, 1987 or the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended. Enforcement of the farm plastic regulations is carried out regularly by the Waste Enforcement Unit, Clare County Council Environment Section.
Relevant Legislation and Guidance
Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 341 of 2001)
https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2001/si/341/made/en/print
Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended)
https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1996/act/10/enacted/en/html
Air Pollution Act 1987
https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1987/act/6/enacted/en/html
Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG)
https://www.farmplastics.ie/
Video on the background of The Irish Farm Film Producers Group