Frequently Asked Questions (continued)

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Before you remove the liner from the Bin tie off the liner and add the ID tag. The collector will not collect liners that have not been tied or tagged. The liners are clear in order that the collector can see what is in the liner before uplift. Liners with mixed plastics or unsuitable materials in them will not be uplifted.

Why do I have to have an ID tag?
Traceability is an accepted concept for farmers. We are offering a recycling service, not a rubbish collection service, and we have to work with the recycling industry to make sure they only receive materials they can work with. By doing this we can develop a sustainable collection service for farm plastics and this will benefit the whole of the agricultural industry.

How can I prove that I have disposed of my plastic wastes properly?
Once you have had a collection you will be sent a recycling certificate to confirm you have disposed of your plastic wastes properly. You can show this to quality assurance inspectors. We will keep a database recording how much waste has been collected from your farm.

What will happen if a farmer puts unsuitable or unwanted materials mixed in with the plastic?
They will be charged for the full cost of disposal including any remediation costs. We will be unable to collect from them again and they will have to make alternative arrangements for the collection of their plastic.

Do I have to take my liners off the farm to a collection point?
No. This is an on farm collection service.

Where do I have to leave my filled liners on the farm?
You should leave your liners at the farm yard with easy access for a lorry. This should be a hard standing area clear of overhanging trees and cables. Please do not stack liners too close to a building.

What happens when I want to have my liners collected?
Each area will have its own collector and he will contact you in advance of the collection date. They will give you plenty of notice either by ringing you, sending you a text message or by sending you an email. Because he is able to plan his journey to collect the maximum amount of plastic on each round this keeps the costs down for everyone. When the collector contacts you he will ask how many liners you have ready and what types of plastic are in each liner.

How often will you collect the plastic?
Initially we will plan to collect in each area twice a year. Collections will be timed to coincide with the end of the winter feeding season and after the autumn shoulder feed season. As more farmers take part we will extend the collection schedule.

How much does all this cost?
The set up costs are as follows:

• The Bin is priced at $530 plus GST. Each new liner is $15 plus GST.
• After that you only pay $40 plus GST for the collection of each liner.

What will it cost per year?
This depends on how many bales per year you feed out. Based on average use of 200 bales per farm the cost per farm will be between $40 to $80 per year.

Is there a membership fee to join the collection service?
No. This is a simple “pay as you go” service.

Do I have to buy my bale wrap plastic from Agpac?
No. This service is available to any farmer.

Can I continue to burn or bury my plastic on farm?
The practice of burning and burying waste plastics on farm is not good for the environment and is not best farming practice. Many farmers continue to do this because there has been no alternative. However global supply chains are demanding increased emphasis on greener production methods and these include environmental issues such as waste disposal. Some regional and local councils already have clean air legislations which prohibit the burning of plastic and more are likely to introduce bans in the near future. The more farmers who support the collection scheme the cheaper and more widespread it will become.

Frequently Asked Questions:
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