Farmers smash farm plastic recycling targets!

Over a six month period, a new scheme in south Wales aimed at recycling an extra 200 tonnes of farm plastics has successfully smashed its target.

Between July and December 2025, over 200 farmers recycled 311 tonnes of agricultural plastics. This represents  a 63% increase in the tonnage of farm plastic recycled from plastics dropped off at bring centres compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024.

Due to its success, the scheme is being extended until December 2026. The scheme currently offers a discount of £30 per tonne for farmers for plastic, either brought to a bring centre or for on-farm collection. Farmers pay £40 a tonne less taking plastic to a bring centre.

The scheme aims to reduce farm plastic pollution in our rivers and help protect nature, and is a collaboration between the farming community Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Four Rivers for LIFE project Agriculture Plastics Environment (APE), Birch Farm Plastics and Afonydd Cymru.

Chris Thomas, Four Rivers for LIFE Senior Land Management Officer said: “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. Small changes like this add up to a big difference for our rivers and the wildlife that rely on them.”

Birch Farm Plastics organise the drop-off centres and collection points. To find your nearest ‘drop off centre’ and confirm eligibility please call Birch on 01792 869776 .

The scheme offers farmers and landowners the opportunity to recycle their farm plastic at reduced cost at several centres across the four river SAC (Special Area of Conservation) catchments: Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk.

Plastic pollution such as silage wrap from farms is a widespread issue for rivers throughout the UK. Wildlife including fish, birds, amphibians and other aquatic species can be injured or killed if they become entangled in plastic waste. It can also accumulate to create environmentally damaging blockages which can be a barrier to fish passage and increase flood risk.

The Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk Rivers are classed as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), meaning they are of international importance for the wildlife and plants that make them home, such as salmon, lamprey, shad, otters and water crowfoot.

The Four Rivers for LIFE Project is funded by the EU LIFE Programme with support from Welsh Government and Welsh Water.