Funding still around for agrichemicals disposal
Waikato farmers and growers have until the end of Friday, March 28, 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.
Funding was 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 on their property where they pose a real safety risk.’’
Many agrichemicals and animal health products are eligible for free disposal through the support of the brand owners who participate in the Agrecovery programme. Waikato Regional 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 a record six tonnes of unwanted 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 online 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.
More information is on the website, agrecovery.co.nz.