New Zealand’s March 2027 farm plastic recycling scheme to cover 240 sites

NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand’s government has announced a nationwide rural recycling scheme starting 1 March 2027, replacing voluntary programmes with a regulated take-back system for agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, funded by producer fees and managed by the not-for-profit Agrecovery Foundation.

The scheme, confirmed by Environment Minister Nicola Grigg on 6 September 2026, aims to significantly increase recovery and recycling of farm plastics, reduce the quantity going to landfills, being buried or burnt on farms, and will replace the existing voluntary schemes operated by Agrecovery and Plasback. 

The existing regional network of approximately 240 take-back sites will be expanded to handle increased volumes of rural plastics entering recycling channels.

Producer Fees and Free National Network

Under the scheme, producers will contribute a small fee, typically around one percent or less of the product price, for regulated products sold, funding a free, nationwide network of drop-off sites and collection services for farmers and growers. 

A free-to-order collection service will be available for remote farms. 

The regulations will require participation by all producers of regulated products, including agrichemicals in plastic containers and drums up to 1,000 litres, all plastic bale wrap and silage sheet, small plastic bags (16-40kg), and large woven polypropylene bags (over 40kg).

The scheme covers two of six priority products declared for product stewardship by the Government in 2020, following the successful rollout of the industry-led Tyrewise scheme in 2024.

Take-Back Services Available Beyond Farms

Recycling services will operate in tandem with collection services for agrichemicals, making it easier to safely manage unused end-of-life products. 

The collection network will also be available to other users of agrichemicals and farm plastics, including the forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and sport sectors, as well as local authorities and contractors. 

Households will also have access to a bespoke national service for pest and weed control products. 

Agrecovery Chief Executive Tony Wilson stated that for 20 years, the organisation has worked alongside farmers, growers and industry to develop practical recycling services, and regulation now means the company can take that experience and apply it across a much bigger national scheme. 

Existing voluntary schemes will continue to operate until the Rural Recycling Scheme starts on 1 March 2027.

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