A new scheme is being trialled in south Wales with the aim of recycling an extra 200 tonnes of farm plastics to reduce farm plastic pollution in rivers.

The Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Four Rivers for LIFE project is working with Agriculture Plastics Environment (APE), Birch Farm Plastics and Afonydd Cymru to increase the collection and recycling rates of farm plastics.

Farmers and landowners will be able to recycle their farm plastic at reduced cost at several centres across the four river catchments: Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk.

Photo: NRW

Plastic pollution such as silage wrap from farms is a widespread pressure on all four rivers. Wildlife including fish, birds, amphibians and other aquatic species can be injured or killed if they become entangled in silage plastic waste. It can also accumulate to create unsightly blockages which can be a barrier to fish passage and increase flood risk.

This trial scheme hopes to work with farmers and landowners in south Wales to reduce the amount of farm plastics found in our rivers and improve their condition so that rare and important wildlife such as salmon, lamprey and otter can thrive.

Farmers and landowners will be able to take their farm plastic to ‘drop off centres’ that will be set up at various livestock markets/sites in Talsarn near Lampeter, Crymych, Llandovery, Sennybridge, Raglan and potentially Carmarthen.

A 2023 report by WRAP which reviewed the status of plastic use in UK farming highlighted that the UK currently has an agri-plastic recycling rate of between 20-30%. This is low in comparison to other European countries such as Germany, France and Ireland who have recycling rates of 65%, 80% and 90% respectively.

Chris Thomas, Four Rivers for LIFE Senior Land Management Officer said: “Farm plastics have been found in the Teifi, Tywi and Cleddau rivers and contribute to the overall environmental issues affecting their health.”

“Healthy rivers support more than just farmers and the environment – they also help communities thrive and grow. Rivers can only fully perform this function and support farmers if they are healthy and free from pollution and plastic waste.”

In 2024, West Wales Rivers Trust (WWRT) carried out a survey of 100 farms to review current practices around disposal of agricultural plastics in Carmarthenshire and across Wales.

The results from this survey showed that cost is one of the main barriers preventing more farmers recycling their silage plastic waste.