Where can I buy the wrap recycling bags?

You can buy bags from most rural retailers, some vet clinics and balage contractors or direct from Agrecovery by going to our website (www.agrecovery.co.nz) or calling us on 0800 AGRECOVERY (0800 247 326)

How much does it cost to use wrap recycling?

All the costs of the recycling programme, including collections/drop off, are contained within the price you pay for the wrap bags. It cost $60.00 (+ GST)  for one packet which contains five large wrap recycling bags, enough to recycle 60-90 (or even more!) standard round wraps. There are no hidden costs. You pay once only.

What can I put in the wrap recycling bag?

Well shaken plastic silage wrap and pit covers are acceptable.  Bale netting must be discarded - we can't recycle this.  You can talk to us about other farm film plastic that might be acceptable also.

Do I have to clean the wrap plastic?

Silage wrap plastic can contain a lot of contamination such as water, dirt, silage, net, twine etc. To enable us to recycle this material we need you to follow 3 simple steps to remove the excessive contamination. SHAKE, ROLL AND STUFF!

1. As soon as you cut the wrap from the bale, SHAKE as much water and solid matter from the plastics as possible.

2. ROLL the wrap into a tight ball (be careful not to roll in any contamination such as stones, excessive dirt, twine etc).

3. STUFF the roll into the wrap recycling bag and store in a dry place.

Can I put the bale net wrap and twine into the bag?

No! These contaminate the recycling process so please dispose in your rubbish.

Can I put other farm wastes and plastics into the bags?

No! We are providing a recycling service, not a rubbish service. The wrap recycling bags are clear to ensure we can see what is in the bags. To enable us to provide a sustainable recycling service we need you to take some responsibility for quality. Don’t forget you can recycle most of your agrichemical and animal remedy containers through Agrecovery’s container recycling programme. Details of collection sites and eligible containers can be obtained via the website or by contacting us.

How many wraps will I get in each wrap recycling bag?

It depends on how tightly you can roll the wrap and how clean and dry the plastic is. The cleaner, drier and more tightly rolled the wraps are, the more you can place in each bag.   We know that you can fit 12 wraps in a bag, but some farmers have managed as many 24 per bag.  Feel free to stuff more in if you can. Remember though that you have to tie the bag off with the plastic tear top strip!

Can I tie off the wrap recycling bag any other way?

No! Use only the tear top tie at the top of the wrap recycling bag. The wrap recycling bags are recycled with the silage wraps so must be the same plastics material. Twine or tape will contaminate the recycling process.

How does the collection process work?

Register your full bags by contacting Agrecovery either by phone, email or via our website, www.agrecovery.co.nz.   We will notify you of the drop off point for your area.  If you have a large volume of bags or are too far from a drop off point, we may arrange to collect from your farm gate.  We will let you know exactly what is happening and give you plenty of notice to plan.

Can I get a compliance record for recycling my wrap?

Absolutely! We know how important this is for you. Each wrap packet contains a card with a unique number which you can record on our website (select "Request a compliance certificate" from the Wrap menu).  This proves you have used the service and enables you to download a compliance certificate.  When you log your full bags with Agrecovery you will be asked to register as a member, this is free.  Becoming a member makes this whole process easier and also opens the door to other membership benefits.

What happens with the collected wrap plastics?

It is to be processed right here in New Zealand.
At the moment recycling this type of plastics within New Zealand is difficult to do sustainably and in a fully compliant manner. We need better processing capability to process this wrap plastic properly. Agrecovery, in conjunction with our plastics reprocessing partners at Astron Plastics, have been assessing some technology which we hope to bring into New Zealand during 2010. Check out the Agrecovery website for updates and announcements.