Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme

The first FWAG Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme began in 2004 and has taken place annually ever since. The aim of the scheme is to provide farmers with a responsible, environmentally sound way to recycle plastic, preventing it from going to landfill. The scheme is simple and straight forward, with no membership fees so the farmers only pay for the plastic they bring.

The scheme takes place throughout April and May each year.

Farmers deliver their plastics on a specific day, to one of a number of sites within Somerset, Devon or Dorset. The types of plastic we collect include:

Silage wrap
Clamp sheet
Fertiliser outer bags and dumpy bags
Fertiliser inner bags and 25kg feed bags
String
Netting
Chemical containers and mineral buckets
Tree guards

What happens to the plastic?

The plastic is taken away, washed and melted down into pellets. The pellets are then recast into an array of products for agricultural use, such as:

Calf lodges and pens
Step through stiles
Cow tracks and eco ground grids
Pig and chicken arks
Sheep and lamb pens
Fence posts

To be compliant with the rules and regulations of transporting your own waste on a public highway, a Lower Tier Waste Carriers Licence is required by registering with the Environment Agency. This is a simple, one off, free registration and can either be completed online at https://www.gov.uk/waste-carrier-or-broker-registration or by calling the Environment Agency on: 03708 506506.

Top Tips for Recycling

Keep plastic dry and clean throughout the winter months. Payment is based on weight and no one wants to pay for rain water!
Store all smooth plastic e.g. silage wrap in smooth fertiliser inner bags. This means the plastic can go straight into the baler, avoiding our reprocessor having to tip out the dumpy bags to retrieve the silage wrap and this will also reduce queuing time at our collection sites.
Separate all different plastic types.
Register for a free Lower Tier Waste Carriers Licence now.

The 2024 Farm Waste Plastic Recycling Scheme is now open for bookings - please click here to book.

Latest

[11.04.24] Wessex Water: River Tone, Parrett and Yeo Phosphorus Reduction Scheme

FWAG SW are working with Wessex Water and farmers in sub-catchments of the Rivers Tone, Parrett and Yeo to reduce phosphorus (P) runoff from farmyards, tracks and fields by three tonnes per year by 2025. Click here to read more...
Wessex Water: Tone, Parrett and Yeo Phosphorus Reduction Scheme

FWAG SW advisers are working with Wessex Water and farmers in sub-catchments of the Rivers Tone, Parrett and Yeo to reduce P runoff from farmyards, tracks and fields by three tonnes per year by 2025.
Award evening celebrates our Silver Pintail winner for 2023

In March we gathered at Harts Barn, Gloucestershire to announce the winner of the 2023 Silver Pintail Award for farming and conservation. Click here to read the full blog...
Farmland Bird Identification Event at Frampton Court Estate

A fantastic day of farmland bird identification with our knowledgeable & passionate guides, Gordon Kirk, regional representative from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Richard Hollis, FWAGSW’s trainee Farm Environment Advisor in Cornwall. The discussions offered guidance on distinguishing common farmland birds through visual observations and contrasting calls.

Wessex Water: Tone, Parrett and Yeo Phosphorus Reduction Scheme

FWAG SW advisers are working with Wessex Water and farmers in sub-catchments of the Rivers Tone, Parrett and Yeo to reduce P runoff from farmyards, tracks and fields by three tonnes per year by 2025.
ELMs Local Delivery Test and Trial

We are currently undertaking a Defra test and trial (T&T) on the local delivery of environmental land management in Somerset. Click here to find out more.
Brue Headwaters Multi-Benefit Project

The Brue Headwaters Multi-Benefit Project (as it’s currently known) has been in operation for three years. The project focuses on working with farmers and landowners to address issues of water quality, flooding and drought.
Floodplain Reconnection Project, Frome

Work has begun on a major natural flood management project just upstream of Frome. We have utilised a variety of NFM measures to help reduce flooding downstream, improve water quality, and enhance important riparian habitats.
Future Farming Resilience - Free Workshops

We are offering free workshops to any farmer or landowner currently in receipt of BPS payments, who would like advice and support through the agricultural transition. FWAG SouthWest are running workshops in Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall. Click here for full details...
The Cheddar Axe Project

The Cheddar Axe Project is working with Bristol Water to reduce diffuse agricultural pollution and improve habitats in the catchments above the Cheddar Reservoir and the Axe at Brinscombe.
Somerset Trees for Water

The aim of the Trees for Water Programme is to provide targeted tree planting in locations which will improve water management and reduce – or slow the flow of – water across the main watercourses of Somerset.
Headwaters of the Exe

The Headwaters of the Exe project (HotE) is working with farmers and land managers in the upper catchments of the River Exe to promote and support sustainable land management. As part of South West Water’s Upstream Thinking Programme, the third phase of the project (UST3) was relaunched in April 2020 with a commitment for funding until March 2025.
Merriott Stream Enhancement Project

The proposal is to open up the 280m Moorlands Road culvert by creating a meandering channel with backwaters (to temporarily store flood water) including a variety of in-stream habitat, seeding species rich meadow mix on the banks and tree planting and making improvements to the public access of the site.
Great Crested Newt Pond Scheme

Are you looking to create or restore a pond on your farm? This could be the opportunity for you. As part of Natural England’s District Level Licensing, up to 100% funding is available to create or restore existing ponds with Great Crested Newts at the forefront of the pond design. Click here to register your interest...

Become a member / Renew your membership

JOIN US! Become a friend or a member and you'll be helping to create a better farmed environment for everyone across the South West.
Mission and vision

FWAG SouthWest seeks to support, enthuse and inspire fellow farmers to value the environmental assets on their land and use them to secure sustainable and profitable businesses for the future.
Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme

The first FWAG Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme began in 2004 and has taken place annually ever since. The aim of the scheme is to provide farmers with a responsible, environmentally sound way to recycle plastic, preventing it from going to landfill. The scheme is simple and straight forward, with no membership fees so the farmers only pay for the plastic they bring.
Countryside Stewardship

FWAG SW has a wealth of experience in the range of grants on offer and their suitability for your farm business. We can prepare and submit an application on your behalf and help with your evidence and record keeping requirements.
Hills to Levels

Hills to Levels is a holistic catchment management approach, which began across catchments in Somerset, aiming to ‘slow the flow’ to reduce flood risk, reduce erosion, improve water quality, deliver wider environmental benefits and increase resilience on the floodplain.
Kingfisher Project

The Kingfisher Award Scheme (KAS) provides children with the opportunity to go onto farms to explore the natural world.
Jenny Phelps

Senior Farm Environment Adviser & Glos Team Leader
Chief Executive Officer
Somerset Catchment Partnership

Somerset Catchment Partnership is bringing together a range of organisations who work within the water environments of Somerset since 2013.
Where we work

Our advisers are located throughout the south west, and cover Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.