Swan Hill Rural City Council is excited to be commencing the trial phase of its Circular Agricultural Plastics Economy (CAPE) project.
The Council says the initiative will provide farmers with a sustainable option for disposing of their agricultural plastics.
Council’s Director Infrastructure, Leah Johnston said the project will divert agricultural plastics from landfill in the Loddon Mallee region and promote a more sustainable approach to waste management.
“A recent study by RMCG revealed the Loddon Mallee region is the leading producer of agricultural plastic waste in Australia, believe it or not, generating approximately 10,000 tonnes annually,” said Ms Johnston.
“Alongside Sustainability Victoria, Council is spearheading efforts to address this issue and promote sustainability in the region.”
Ms Johnston said the CAPE Project would initially target table grape covers, grain tubes, silo bags and tunnel film with other agricultural plastic waste streams to be included in the future.
“The trail phase of the CAPE project will commence via an expression of interest process.”
“Farmers are asked to visit Council’s Let’s Talk website to complete an online form to participate in the trial,” she said.
Ms Johnston stated that once accepted into the trial, farmers would then be able to drop off their eligible plastic waste at designated collection points during the trial period.
“Prior to drop-off, farmers are requested to ensure that the plastic waste is clean, free from vegetation and tightly rolled or coiled,” she said.
Ms Johnston said the initiative highlighted Council’s commitment to driving positive environmental change and she looked forward to the community joining their efforts to build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
To submit an expression of interest to participate in this trial please visit:
letstalk.swanhill.vic.gov.au/circular-agricultural-plastics-economy-cape-project.
The project is supported by the Circular Economy Councils Fund, delivered by Sustainability
Victoria under the Victorian Government.
