Welsh farmers boost farm plastics recycling by 63%
© Natural Resources Wales A south Wales farm plastics recycling scheme has exceeded expectations after collecting more than 300t of agricultural waste in just six months.
Between July and December 2025, more than 200 farmers recycled 311t of farm plastics through the initiative, surpassing its original target of 200t.
The figure marks a 63% rise in the amount of agricultural plastic recycled through “bring centres” compared with the same period in 2023 and 2024.
See also: Fly-tippers face losing driving licences under new powers
The scheme, which operates across the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk river catchments, has now been extended until December 2026.
Farmers using the service receive financial support towards recycling costs, including a £30/t discount on plastics taken to a bring centre or collected from farm.
Those delivering plastics directly to a centre pay £40/t less overall.
Reducing plastic pollution
The project aims to reduce plastic pollution entering rivers and waterways, while encouraging more sustainable disposal methods on farms.
It is a joint initiative involving Natural Resources Wales, the Four Rivers for Life project, Agriculture Plastics Environment, Birch Farm Plastics, Afonydd Cymru and the farming community.
Chris Thomas, senior land management officer for Four Rivers for Life, said the response from farmers had been encouraging.
“We are delighted by the take-up and support from the farming community to the scheme, and thank everyone who has been involved so far,” he said.
“Small changes like this add up to a big difference for our rivers and the wildlife that rely on them.”
Materials accepted through the scheme include silage bale wrap, pit cover sheeting, fertiliser and feed bags, and feed buckets.
Bale twine and string can also be recycled if properly separated, although bale net wrap is not accepted.
Birch Farm Plastics manages the drop-off centres and collection points. Farmers can contact the company on 01792 869776 to find their nearest participating site and check eligibility.