About agricultural waste plastics

Approximately 90% of agricultural holdings in the UK produce waste plastics. Of this, about one third is waste plastic packaging and two thirds is waste non-packaging agricultural plastic (NPAP).



Examples of plastic packaging are:
  • fertiliser sacks
  • animal feed sacks and tubs, and
  • seed bags
NPAP products typically include:
  • silage bale wrap (silage wrap/sheet)
  • horticultural cover (crop cover)
  • mulch films
  • bale twine
  • fleece plant jacket
  • greenhouse film (tunnel film), and
  • tree guards
Disposal of agricultural waste (including plastics) is controlled under legislation collectively known as the Agricultural Waste Regulations (AWR) 2006. The AWR include the Waste Management (England and Wales) Regulations 2006 and the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2005.

Plastic packaging products are further covered by the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007.