Vegetable and melon farms generate a range of plastic waste. While some products such as chemical containers and irrigation tube can be recycled, plastic mulch requires significant costs in labour and time for removal and disposal. If stockpiled on-farm, plastic mulch can contaminate farmland, take up valuable production areas and harbour pests and diseases.
This fact sheet outlines:
- Why on-farm plastic waste is an issue
- Common sources of plastic in vegetable and melon production
- Recycling schemes which are currently available
- Issues with using plastic mulch and possible alternatives, including their costs and benefits.
