Farm plastic recycling: What bring centres will be open in June?

Farm plastic bring centres are reopening for collections around the country this month – with the first centres opening today (Tuesday, June 1), the Irish Farm Film Producers’ Group (IFFPG) has confirmed.

Bring-centres are recycling centres to which farmers can bring their farm plastics for recycling each year, the IFFPG says.

Operating in one to two-day events, such centres are held at locations such as marts, co-op premises and county council recycling facilities.

According to the organisation, bring centres “represent the most cost effective and convenient means by which farmers can recycle farm plastics”. Typically IFFPG operates approximately 235 bring-centres annually.

Bring centres will be run at the following locations for the month of June, with more planned for July and August.

Those interested in attending the farm plastic bring centres are recommended to check the operating times in advance as some are scheduled to operate for shorter time periods.

Farm plastic that can be recycled at the bring centres include: silage wrap and sheeting; netting and twine; large fertiliser and feed bags (with liners removed); small fertiliser and feed bags; and drums (triple rinsed).

It is very important that farmers provide the six-digit label code on all silage wrap/sheets and netting/twine at bring-centres or when booking a farm collection, as this entitles them to significantly reduced collection fees, the IFFPG says.

This code proves that you are purchasing levied farm plastic. It qualifies you for a significant reduction in collection fees if presented to IFFPG prior to, or at, collection.

Label codes will be validated before or at collection by the IFFPG. When purchasing silage plastic wrap, ensure that you receive a six-digit label code on the invoice or receipt, the group says.

In addition, the organisation urged farmers who intend attending the centres to secure their loads of plastic before hauling plastic into local bring centres.