Mildura recycling program cuts agricultural waste across north-west Victoria

In a first for north-west Victoria, Mildura farmers will be able to convert their waste into new products. See how, and where you can do it for free, here.

In a first for north-west Victoria, a pilot program will slash agricultural waste by turning grape covers, irrigation tubes and silo bags into new products.

Farmers can drop waste off at selected sites under the National Agriculture Plastics Stewardship Pilot which will then recycle into other farm products.

Councillor Jason Modica said it was another way Mildura could be ahead of the game in terms of sustainability.

“It is just getting us to start looking at what we do with our ag waste,” he said.

“We are doing great work in the domestic space but people in these industries are looking to recycle the things that they use.”

The program is being launched in conjunction with the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre strategic plan, which focuses on research and development in horticulture, water, energy and the environment.

“As our agricultural and horticulture sectors get larger, theser programs start to come forward because people can see that it will probably increase as an issue,” Mr Modica said.

“They start asking, what are the things we can do now, to help in the future?”

Mr Modica said recycling of agricultural plastics in Australia was low due to challenges including contamination on-farm, limited collection options, and long transport distances to recyclers.

RMCG, an agricultural and environmental consultancy company, said the program would be collecting the most “problematic” materials for the region.

“Following the results of the pilot, we hope to develop a broader scheme that makes it easier to collect and recycle more agricultural plastics in Sunraysia and Loddon and other regions around Australia,” project manager Carl Larson said.

RMCG principal Dr Anne-Maree Boland said plastic waste was a “huge problem” for agriculture in Australia.

“As there are limited options for recycling this type of waste, it is often disposed of in harmful ways that can pollute our environment,” she said.

Grape covers will be accepted as part of the new Ag waste recycling program.

The program kicked off in Mildura on Tuesday May 31.

Drop-off sites and collection times

▪ Mildura Rural City Council landfill, 15 Scherger Dr, Mildura VIC 3500
Tuesdays 8.15am – 4.45pm, Wednesdays 8.15am – 4:45pm and Thursdays 8.15am – 4.45pm

▪ Swan Hill Rural City Council landfill, 6859 Sea Lake-Swan Hill Rd, Swan Hill VIC 3585
Thursdays 8.30am-11.30am

▪ North West Ag Services, 101 Farrell St, Ouyen VIC 3490
The first Wednesday of each month from 3pm-5pm with a barbecue and networking opportunity.