Farmers seek solution to mounting plastic waste problem

Farmers in North Queensland are confronting a significant challenge: the overwhelming accumulation of plastic waste generated by essential agricultural practices. Jodi and Phill Brown, who grow tomatoes, chili, and capsicum, find their paddocks lined with black and white plastic weed mats and trickle tape, which are crucial for irrigation and weed control.

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We've had a lot of issues with trying to get rid of plastic, a lot of farms have got big piles, you can see them.

At the end of each growing season, this plastic material, vital for modern horticulture, becomes refuse. Traditionally, it was collected and disposed of, sometimes used as backstop material at rifle ranges. However, those disposal avenues have closed. "Back in the day it all got picked up and taken out to the rifle range and used as a backing to shoot into," Mr. Brown explained. "But they don't need it anymore, they've got enough."

The Browns' farm, located 200 kilometers south of Townsville, has experienced the loss of reliable and affordable collection services. This has resulted in truckloads of used plastic piling up. "The businesses are so busy that you can't get anybody to dump it, so even if you could afford it, there's nobody who can transport it," Ms. Brown said. "We're just going to have to get rid of it in dribs and drabs, a truckload at a time."

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Back in the day it all got picked up and taken out to the rifle range and used as a backing to shoot into. But they don't need it anymore, they've got enough.

Agricultural waste consultant Anne-Maree Boland confirmed that the Browns' situation is not unique. She estimates that at least 100,000 tonnes of plastic are produced annually on farms, with a significant portion originating from the horticulture sector. "We have estimated about 7 percent of the total amount that is recycled," Boland stated. The cost of recycling increases dramatically for farmers located further from processing infrastructure, with transport costs becoming prohibitive for distances over 300 kilometers.

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The businesses are so busy that you can't get anybody to dump it, so even if you could afford it, there's nobody who can transport it. We're just going to have to get rid of it in dribs and drabs, a truckload at a time.

Grazier Sandra Richards, who has experience with waste management in the agricultural industry, is actively seeking solutions. "I became interested in waste, which really led me to discover the very large problem that exists on farms," she said. "Particularly in north Queensland, which is so far away from any capital city, there's nothing." Richards is exploring options for building an agricultural waste recycling plant in North Queensland to address this growing environmental concern.

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We know that there's at least 100,000 tonnes of plastics per annum that are produced on farm and a large proportion, probably two thirds, is in the horticulture sector. We have estimated about 7 per cent of the total amount that is recycled.