A new nationwide farm recycling scheme will help local farmers cut plastic waste and costs.

The Government has approved regulations for a rural recycling scheme covering agrichemicals and farm plastics.

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says the move is about “fixing the basics while building the future with practical solutions that protect the environment, support our farmers, and ensure a productive, sustainable primary sector.”

The industry-led scheme brings the existing Agrecovery and Plasback programmes into a single national system.

It will offer free, simple, and accessible services for all users of in-scope agrichemicals and farm plastics, including rural communities.

Building on voluntary schemes operating for nearly 20 years, the regulations create a consistent product stewardship framework for agrichemicals, their containers, and farm plastics.

The aim is to help farmers cut waste, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term productivity.

Plastic products are essential to New Zealand’s agri-economy, but rural communities know that containers, plastic bags, and bale wrap can quickly pile up.

The new scheme creates a unified system where producers, sellers, and users share responsibility for the full product lifecycle, rather than leaving disposal to farmers alone.

It will also help sectors like forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities, which will gain access to national take-back services.

Supporters say it offers a clear alternative to burning or burying plastics, reducing environmental risk and helping keep rural communities cleaner and safer.

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