Consultation on a Producer Responsibility Scheme for the collection of Non-Packaging Agricultural Plastics (NPAP) released 17 December 2009. Closing date 25 February 2009

This joint Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and Scottish Government consultation invites your views on proposals to introduce a Producer Responsibility scheme for the collection of Non-Packaging Agricultural Plastics (NPAP).  These products include bale twine, fleece plant jackets, greenhouse film, horticultural cover, mulch film and silage bale wrap.

The consultation seeks views on whether the industry as a whole agrees that a recycling system is needed,  and if so it proposes the introduction of either on-farm collection, or collection points for NPAP which would be free at the point of use for farmers.  Producers of NPAP products, (manufacturers and importers), would be required to either join or set up a scheme for the collection and recycling of this waste.  Under the proposals a target would be set to recycle 80 per cent of waste NPAP within four years – currently only around 20 per cent is recycled.

It is aimed at manufacturers and importers of NPAP, farmers, collectors of agricultural waste and any others who may be interested.

This consultation runs for 10 weeks and closes on 25 February 2010.