To assist farmers to remain sustainable during the drought, Wellington Shire Council is offering free silage wrap recycling.

With many farmers feeding silage in these dry conditions, disposing of the used wrap can be difficult and expensive.

Burning wrap is illegal and creates harmful emissions that are hazardous to people, animals and the environment.

Silage wrap will be recycled at transfer stations in Kilmany, Maffra and Yarram.

To take up the free recycling offer:

• Gather silage wrap in bulka bags.
• Ensure you remove net wrap or bale twine. Silage pit covers are accepted.
• Wrap needs to be shaken clean of any contaminants.
• Ensure bulka bags can be rolled off vehicles or trailers.
• Bulka bags must be checked by transfer station staff – cable ties will be provided upon acceptance.
• Inappropriately packed or contaminated wrap may be refused.
• Must be resident/business located within Wellington Shire.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Alan Hall said chemical contamination to the surrounding environment was a risk when silage wrap wasn’t recycled.

"As a further measure of support for our drought affected farmers, Council will recycle correctly packed silage wrap free of charge," he said.

"This should allow our farmers to continue to operate sustainably while battling the drought."

From16 September to 20 October, bulka bags of silage wrap can be dropped off at transfer stations in Kilmany, Maffra and Yarram during normal operating hours.