Deadline ahead – book to dispose of agrichemicals

Waikato farmers and growers are being urged to take a look in their sheds and get rid of any unwanted agrichemicals at the upcoming Agrecovery collection.

The booking deadline for those wanting to safely dispose of these chemicals through Agrecovery is March 28.

Last year, farmers and growers in Waikato used the safe and environmentally sound collection to get rid of a record 6 tonnes of unwanted or expired agrichemicals.

That’s five times the amount collected in 2012 and the largest take back in a single region by Agrecovery since collections started in 2010.

‘‘It’s great to see the volume collected from Waikato farmers and growers increase year on year,’’ Agrecovery chairman Graeme Peters said.

‘‘These are chemicals that might have otherwise been left in sheds, posing an increased safety risk, or eventually ending up in our waterways or on our land.

‘‘We know there are still some properties with old and unwanted chemicals, and we’d like to see those farmers and growers follow their neighbours’ lead and book them in for our upcoming collection.’’

In its last financial year, Agrecovery completed five regional collections nationwide, totalling nearly 16,000kg of agrichemicals, 37 per cent more than the previous financial year.

Many agrichemicals and animal health products are eligible for free disposal through the support of the 57 brand owners who participate in the programme.

Disposal of others may be subsidised through additional support provided by the Waikato Regional Council.

Users of horticultural, agricultural and veterinary chemicals, including farmers, growers, contractors and veterinarians can log their unwanted and expired chemicals for collection with Agrecovery at agrecovery.co.nz/chemicals/ or phone 0800 247 326 to request a booking form.

Those with unwanted household or garden chemicals should contact their local council as these chemicals are not subsidised under the Agrecovery chemicals programme.

The Agrecovery chemicals programme is easy to use, safe and fully compliant, offering a fully auditable record of disposal which farmers and growers can use for New Zealand GAP and other quality assurance programmes. To learn more about Agrecovery and its other rural recycling programmes, visit agrecovery.co.nz.