The problem

An estimated 122,000 tonnes of plastic waste is created annually by UK farms. Of this approximately 23,000 tonnes is generated from silage producers in the form of stretch film wrap, silage sheeting and silage bags.

As more and more livestock farmers have moved from hay to silage production, so the mounds of black plastic have begun to grow on many farms. As well as taking up valuable space, if not stored properly, the thin silage film can easily blow around the countryside, which not only looks unsightly, but can also have a significant impact on both wildlife and livestock. In a survey of the Swale between Ravenseat and Grinton in the summer of 1997, over 2000 fragments of black plastic, a staggering 420 feed bags, and about 1500 lengths of baler twine, were discovered along the river. Not only is this a potential hazard to wildlife but careless discarding of such material is causing a major aesthetic and landscape impact in an area of such international environmental quality.

Disposal of this waste is an increasing problem with few options available to the farmer. Whilst burying on the farm is one possibility, such plastics take many years to break down and this method is only really appropriate for relatively small volumes of waste. Burning of plastic waste is illegal and if caught, offenders can face a substantial fine. The only other legal method of disposal is through landfill sites. Apart from the environmental consequences this can be a costly option once the site operators charge, landfill-tax levy and transport costs are taken into consideration, whilst some landfill operators consider it a 'difficult waste' and will not take large quantities.

Recycling scheme

One of the key aims of the River Swale Regeneration Project was to provide a collection facility for local farmers to dispose of used silage wrap and other farm plastics. In order to reduce the environmental impact of disposal, the waste was to be taken to a recycling plant in Dumfries, where it could be turned into a usable product. A similar collection and recycling scheme had previously operated throughout the UK, led by the Farm Films Producers Group. Funded by a voluntary levy charged on all farm plastic wrap manufactured by producers within the group, the scheme collapsed when some importers of foreign wrap refused to apply the levy.

With sponsorship from British Polythene Industries, the operators of the Dumfries recycling plant and one of the main UK producers of farm films, the Swale recycling scheme started in December 1999 and finished in December 2001 when funding ceased. The service was offered free of charge to all farmers within Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. Farmers were invited to bring their used silage wrap to a central collection site located on a farm at Marrick, near Reeth. Here the wrap was deposited into a large container skip, which once full was emptied, baled and taken to the Dumfries plant by a haulier.

Plastics which can be collected for recycling include:
• Silage sheets
• Silage bags
• Bale wrap
• Mineral and feed bags
• Polythene linings from bulk bags

In addition to this facility a Community Clear Up Weekend was also organised as part of the Swale Regeneration Project to tackle the large quantities of bale wrap which had accumulated 'uninvited' throughout the Swaledale countryside.



During the weekend volunteers from the farming and local communities, together with National Park Voluntary Wardens, cleared up loose bale wrap from the river banks and hedgerows. Again this plastic was sent for recycling.

Whilst proving a success during its first year of operation, it was obvious that the collection point at Marrick was too far for many farmers to travel, particularly those located at the upper end of Swaledale. The second year's scheme has seen the addition of a second free collection point at Muker, in order to reduce the travelling distance and encourage a larger number of farmers to use the recycling facility.

Looking to the Future
Looking to the future and beyond the Swale Regeneration Project, it is hoped that a collection and recycling scheme can continue to be provided for farmers. Working closely with FWAG, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and other interested organisations, the National Park Authority is looking at the opportunities for providing a scheme which will cover the whole of the Yorkshire Dales.