New recycling scheme targets farm plastic pollution in Welsh river catchments
A trial scheme to tackle plastic pollution from farms is being launched across south Wales, with the aim of improving river health and protecting endangered wildlife.
Led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) through its Four Rivers for LIFE programme, the initiative will see new drop-off centres set up across four ecologically sensitive river catchments — the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk — where waste such as silage wrap and feed bags has become a growing concern.
The scheme, delivered in partnership with Agricultural Plastics Environment (APE), Birch Farm Plastics, and Afonydd Cymru, aims to recycle an additional 200 tonnes of farm plastics over the next year. Farmers will be able to dispose of eligible materials at reduced cost, with centres opening at livestock markets in Talsarn, Crymych, Llandovery, Sennybridge, Raglan, and potentially Carmarthen.
“Healthy rivers support more than just wildlife — they help farming communities thrive,” said Chris Thomas, senior land management officer for Four Rivers for LIFE.
What farmers can recycle — and what they can’t
The scheme accepts a range of commonly used agricultural plastics, including silage bale wrap (in all colours), pit cover sheeting, fertiliser and feed bags, and feed buckets. These items can be dropped off without additional sorting.
However, some materials — such as bale twine, bale net wrap and string — require careful separation to be eligible for recycling. If not properly sorted, these items may be rejected at the drop-off centres, so farmers are being urged to prepare their waste accordingly.
River health and wildlife at risk
Plastic waste from farms can persist for years in river systems, entangling fish, birds and mammals, and blocking migration routes. All four rivers are designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) due to their rare ecosystems, including salmon, lamprey, and otters.
A 2023 WRAP report found the UK’s agri-plastic recycling rate sits between 20–30%, far behind countries like France (80%), Germany (65%), and Ireland (90%).
The new trial is backed by funding from the EU LIFE Programme, Welsh Government, and Welsh Water, and builds on previous success in west Wales.
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