Our commitment to environmental sustainability is integrated into everything we do.
For each packaging type, we offer a responsible disposal option, as described below.
In every case, it’s important to ensure that plastic is clean and free of contamination. Depending on the programme, this can include things like thoroughly shaking out bags, returning them within six months and cleaning containers and drums.
The Better Bags Scheme (BBS)
Our BBS is the preferred option for customers giving them the ability to reuse one tonne and half tonne bags for their fertiliser supply, plus it’s better for the environment.
- Cleverly designed, the bags can be reused up to five times.
- They have a handy side discharge chute for improved safety and manageability.
- Customers who participate in the BBS also receive a $15 discount off every fill!
Recycling at end of life
Whether or not you are part of the above scheme (BBS), all one tonne and half tonne bags are accepted at your local Ravensdown store for recycling after their fifth and final fill at no additional cost. You can find your closest store for recycling here.
Recycling Collection Service
Plasback also offers a user pays recycling collection service. On farm collections cost $50 and can be booked online. We’ve also been supporting Plasback recycling collections for bulk bags directly off selected Canterbury farms, as part of a trial to improve recycling rates.
Small (20kg) LDPE (no.4 plastic) seed and agrichemical bags
Small plastic bags must be stored in an approved AgRecovery liner to be accepted for recycling as part of their scheme. Call 0800 247 326 or email info@agrecovery.org.nz to order your FREE liners.
When a liner is full, return it to any of 70 collection sites across New Zealand at merchant partners Farmlands, Farm Source and PGG Wrightson.
Find your collection site here:
Plasback offers a user pays on-property recycling collection service for small LDPE bags. Their dedicated bins (optional) and liners (compulsory) can be purchased here: https://plasback.co.nz/product-category/bins-liners/ On-farm collections can be booked here: https://plasback.co.nz/collections/
Agrichemical containers, drums and IBCs/pods
There are collection sites nationwide for Ravensdown plastic agrichemical containers and other participating brands, at no charge. Large users (500+ containers) can request on-property collection through AgRecovery’s website.
For more information go to the AgRecovery website:
Recycling 20kg polypropylene (no. 5 plastic) fertiliser bags
To be accepted for recycling as part of the scheme, small plastic bags must be stored in an approved AgRecovery liner. Call 0800 247 326 or email info@agrecovery.org.nz to order your FREE liners. The small bag collection site network includes 70 sites across New Zealand at merchant partners Farmlands, Farm Source and PGG Wrightson.
Find your collection site here:
What happens to packaging that is sent for recycling?
Containers are recycled right here in New Zealand and mostly turned into electrical cable covers.
Large drums and IBCs can be either returned to the product owner for re-use or shredded for recycling.
LDPE and Woven PP bags are sent to Asia where they are turned into pellets for use in secondary plastic products.
Plasback has developed many recycled plastic products such as Tuffboard which is a plywood replacement product. They also partner with Future Post who manufacture recycled fence posts.
WATCH this video to see how bags are turned into pellets for reuse in recycled products:
Both the Plasback and AgRecovery schemes are accredited under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.