The media release below from Agrecovery gives details on a subsidised programme that allows farmers to dispose of unwanted agrichemicals.
Important notes:
- This programme is aimed at rural/agricultural properties - domestic (e.g. "in-town") properties are not eligible
- Contact Agrecovery to confirm whether charges for pickup/disposal will apply - some chemicals are collected for free, but some have a collections fee
- Contact Agrecovery - not the Council - to arrange pickup and confirm pickup dates, which should be sometime in the next few months
- Booking must be made by 25 July 2014
Farmers and growers in the Bay of Plenty are being urged to make use of a subsidised programme to get rid of their unwanted agrichemicals.
Agrecovery offers farmers the chance to safely dispose of potentially dangerous chemicals, with many free of charge or subsidised. Those in the region just need to book by 25 July 2014 online at Agrecovery or phone 0800 247 326.
Agrecovery Chair Graeme Peters says the collections are a crucial part of protecting the future of the industry.
“These are chemicals that pose a safety risk by being left in sheds, or eventually end up in our waterways or on our land.”
Safe and fully compliant, Agrecovery supports farmers and growers with a fully auditable report, which can be used for New Zealand GAP and other quality assurance programmes.
In 2012, farmers and growers took advantage of collections in the Bay of Plenty to dispose of nearly 800 kg of unwanted or expired agrichemicals.
“We know there are still some properties with old and unwanted chemicals, and we’d like to see those farmers and growers book them in for our upcoming collection,” says Peters.
This collection follows on from five regional collections last financial year, with nearly 16,000 kg of agrichemicals collected from around the country.
The programme is supported by 60 brand owners and is focused on horticultural, agricultural and veterinary chemicals and animal health products. The programme doesn’t include household or garden chemicals; local councils can advise of disposal options for these.