Solution in sight for Farmers and used Silage Wrap

There’s one shortcoming of a generous growing season – correct disposal of the plastic wrap once the silage has been fed out.

Wellington Shire Council is once again, offering farmers an easy environmentally friendly solution that is both cost effective and efficient.

Between 8.00am and 5.00pm on Monday 17 to Sunday 30 July 2017, Bulka Bags of silage wrap can be dropped off at the Kilmany and Yarram Transfer Stations for a small fee.

Wellington Shire Council General Manager Built and Natural Environment, Chris Hastie, says, “Recycling silage wrap not only helps reduce waste quantity it also assists to enhance the ‘clean, green’ image of the industry. It also minimises contamination of the environment by not burying or burning the disused wrap and eliminates the risk of stock eating the silage wrap.”

The silage wrap resource is transported to Melbourne for reprocessing. It can be recycled to produce items such as building and fencing materials, floor matting and black builder’s plastic.

It is illegal to bury silage wraps it has a UV inhibitor preventing it from breaking down for years. Burning silage wrap is also a huge problem as it releases harmful chemicals and contaminants into the atmosphere.

Here are some helpful hints for silage wrap recycling:

• Bale net wrap and twine can’t be recycled.
• Shake your wrap clean of all loose materials, such as silage and gravel before you pack it into Bulka Bags.
• Tightly packing your silage wrap inside Bulka Bags means you fit more in, so you get rid of more wraps per bag.

Council are providing a discounted gate fee for this service in support of the local farming community. A fee of $11 applies for each Bulka Bags dropped off. This partially covers transport and handling costs. For further information, contact Council’s Sustainability Projects Officer on 1300 366 244.

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