Last chance to dispose of agrichemicals
Waikato farmers and growers have until this Friday to take advantage of available funding for the disposal of unwanted agrichemicals at the upcoming Agrecovery collection.
Waikato Regional Council has supplemented the funding provided by 57 Agrecovery brand owners for the collection and disposal of agrichemicals and animal health products.
‘‘We’ve received significant bookings for the collection, however, funding is still available,’’ said Jason Richards, chemicals programme manager for Agrecovery.
‘‘We would like to see farmers and growers book safe disposal rather than leave old chemicals sitting in sheds where they pose a real safety risk.’’
The booking deadline for those wanting to dispose of agrichemicals through Agrecovery is March 28.
Many agrichemicals and animal health products are eligible for free disposal through the support of the 57 brand owners who participate in the programme.
This represents a strong commitment to product stewardship by these brands, offering customers a solution for their products once they are used or no longer required.
The council is providing funding to help with disposal of products not covered by the brand owners.
Last year, farmers and growers in the Waikato used the safe and environmentally sound collection to get rid of six 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.
Users of horticultural, agricultural and veterinary chemicals, including farmers, growers, contractors and veterinarians can log their unwanted and expired chemicals for collection with Agrecovery, www.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.
To learn more about Agrecovery and its other rural recycling programmes, visit www.agrecovery.co.nz