Waste Plastics from Agriculture

Keywords: Recycling, Waste plastics, fertiliser packaging, Agriculture.

This paper deals with the variety of waste plastic packaging and containers arising in the UK agricultural and horticultural industries.

The growth of plastics in these industries, the current usage, and the prospects for the future are outlined.

Current legislative pressures and the likelihood of their increase clearly show that disposal of plastics is liable to become a growing problem. Assessments are made on the environmental impact of the various packaging mediums, and what can be done to improve this position. The recyclability of the various plastics is discussed, together with details of up to date recycling systems. The ‘success’ of an existing recycling scheme is examined, and the threats and opportunities outlined.

C McLatchie, British Polythene Industries plc., Greenock, UK.

22 pages, 1 figure, 9 tables.