Agrecovery’s chemical collection programme kicks off for 2013
Agrecovery is urging all farmers and growers to take a look in their sheds and get rid of any unwanted or expired chemicals through one of the eight regional agrichemical collections it has planned this year.
The first collections for 2013 start shortly in Waikato, Otago and Southland and those wanting to dispose of unwanted chemicals need to book with Agrecovery by 8 March. A collection in Canterbury is also planned shortly afterwards with bookings required by 22 March.
Many agrichemicals and animal health products are eligible for free disposal through the support of the 59 brand owners who participate in the Agrecovery programme, while others are subsidised through central government and some regional councils.
In its last financial year, Agrecovery collected and safely disposed of over 11,500kg agrichemicals across the country, 23 percent more than the previous financial year and this year it hopes to collect more.
“It’s great to see farmers and growers taking advantage of the programme to clear their properties of old or unwanted chemicals, but there is still a lot left out there that we’d like to see booked for collection,” says Adele Rose, Programme Manager for Agrecovery.
The Agrecovery chemicals collection programme, launched in 2009, is available for all users of horticultural and agricultural chemicals and animal health products, including farmers, growers, contractors, veterinarians and others. It is easy to use, safe and fully compliant, offering a fully auditable record of disposal which farmers and growers can use for NZGAP and other quality assurance programmes.
Those with unwanted household or garden chemicals are advised to contact their local council as these chemicals are not subsidised under the Agrecovery Chemicals programme.
Upcoming collection booking deadlines
• Canterbury – bookings closed 22 March 2013
• Waikato, Otago and Southland – bookings closed 15 March 2013
• Tasman, Marlborough, Nelson and Taranaki collections are currently being planned
Users can book for collection at any time.