Yara joins plastic recycling scheme

Fertiliser maker Yara has become the latest company to join the Green Tractor scheme to help farmers recycle plastic waste.

The Green Tractor was established in 2020 by agricultural plastic recycling specialists who recognised the need to encourage more farmers to recycle waste plastic.

The goal is to ensure all farm plastic is recycled by 2030 – primarily through a network of independent waste plastic collectors and more than 80 collection points which are dotted across the country.

Shared aim

Yara joins an increasing number of environmentally-focused companies that have joined the scheme with the same shared aim – to bring about positive change in the agricultural sector while helping the planet.

Yara sustainability manager Mark Tucker said: “We joined the scheme to demonstrate a desire to support rural recycling and promote trade within the farming community.

“Green Tractor helps us show we are a business taking a sustainable stance for agriculture to support the farming industry and circular economy.”

The scheme makes it easier for farmers to recycle different types of waste plastic. Waste is collected from the farm and then recycled – either by the same company or by a third party. Almost 20,000 tonnes of farm plastic of collected every year, with thousands of farmers already in the scheme.

“Green Tractor assures that farm plastic recycled through their network is to the highest standard and the necessary education is provided for all farms and agricultural groups to ensure this,” said Mr Tucker.

“Waste collected by Green Tractor is fully traceable, accredited, and dealt with correctly and due diligence is performed to ensure farm plastic is recycled and repurposed.”