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Ag Plastics Recycling inWisconsinMelissa Kono, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Extension
Introduction Melissa Kono, Associate Professor with University ofWisconsin-Madison and Community Development Educator forClark and Trempealeau Counties I travelled to the Dominican Republic to work with bananafarmers on recycling their plastic I organize Ag Plastics collection events in Wisconsin Received a Sustainable Ag Research (SARE grant) in 2020 toconduct collection events and an in-person professionaldevelopment meeting—thank you for being here! Poll
The plastics problem Plastics used in Agriculture tend tobe dirty, light weight andundesirable to recyclers While illegal, burning plasticstypically goes unenforced due tocosts In the past, collection events weresuccessful in collecting plastics, butit was difficult to find a recycler Poll
Ag Plastics Recycling in Wisconsin According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 15-20 pounds ofagricultural plastics are generated per cow every year 1.2 million cows in Wisconsin 2/3rds of farms surveyed are using bunker covers 2015 gplastics.html
Evaluating Plastics Collection EffortsMethodology A Qualtrics survey was emailed to approximately 2,000 Revolution Plasticscustomers and others regarding their agricultural plastics recycling practices,there were 392 responses to the survey. Not all survey respondents were currently using an agricultural plasticsrecycling dumpster provided by Revolution Plastics and were on a waiting list. The survey was approved by the Human Subjects Protection Administrator. The purpose of the survey was to examine the need for educationalopportunities when it comes to agricultural plastics recycling.
What are your greatest challenges inrecycling agricultural plastics?Not enough time torecycle1%Prohibited items beingplaced in dumpster3%Getting employees toproperly recycleKeeping access clear5%4%Too frequent pickup1%Keeping access clearToo frequent pickupToo infrequent pickupToo much volumeNot enough volumeRemoving debris21%Unsure of what can be recycledToo infrequent pickup35%Unsure of what can berecycled4%Removing debrisProhibited items being placed in dumpsterNot enough volume4%Note enough time to recycleToo much volume22%Getting employees to properly recycle
How have your waste management practices changed as aresult of having a plastics recycling dumpster or bagavailable on your farm
What is your estimated annual costsavings?No cost savings18% 3,001- 5,0002% 1,501- 3,0008% 0-50053% 501- 1,50019% 0-500 501- 1,500 1,501- 3,000 3,001- 5,000Greater than 5,000No cost savings
Findings and other considerations Half of survey respondents said it provides an alternative to burning. 56% said there is less excess plastic litter on the farm. Respondents indicated they used more ag plastics products because they wereable to recycle it Farms seemed to underestimate their annual cost savings Perception vs. Reality POLL
Cross Sector Partnership Revolution Plastics provides agplastics recycling dumpsters andregular pick up service to farms atno cost to the farmer. The plastic is processed in theUnited States and recycled intoproducts Through University of WisconsinExtension, people of Wisconsin andbeyond can access universityresources and engage in learning,wherever they live and work. Historically agricultural-basedprogramming and services
Types of RecyclingDumpster Must be within service area Must produce a minimum amountof plastic Dumpsters no longer being widelydistributed No cost for dumpster or plasticspickup
Types of RecyclingRecapture Bags Case of 5 bags is about 30 Available from a few suppliers, canbe Once 5 bags are filled, farmer callsfor on-farm pick up. There is nocharge for the pickup Must be within service area
Types of RecyclingCollection Events Must meet minimum collectionrequirements Can be in conjunction with otherevents i.e. Clean Sweeps,County/Municipal Recycling Recapture bags are helpful
Revolution Plastics Coverage AreaAll counties South of the red line have full ag plastic recyclingservices – Dumpsters, Recapture Bags, Etc.All counties North of the red line have the following ag plasticrecycling services: 40,000 lb. single point Recapture Bag pickup and 40,000 lbbaled plastic pickup. Smaller quantities can be picked up for a fee. (Case by casebasis. 500 minimum charge will apply)Approved Ag Plastics:Silage Bags/Grain Bags Bunker Cover (no reinforced material) Greenhouse Film Boat Wrap (ropes, vent, zippers, etc. removed) Drip Tape
Potential PartnershipsFarmersDepartmentof rsity ofWisconsinExtensionLocalGovernment
Take Aways Potential for education in the areas of farm financial management, properrecycling techniques Efficient communication around pick-up schedules Increased partnerships with government entities and private sector Poll
Please complete a brief m/SV 5yFHxZo3pe9wBIWRecording of this session and handout can be ces/inservice-training/Melissa Kono, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin Madison-ExtensionDepartment of Community Resource DevelopmentClark & Trempealeau Counties, WisconsinMelissa.kono@wisc.edu
Perception vs. Reality POLL. Cross Sector Partnership Revolution Plastics provides ag plastics recycling dumpsters and regular pick up service to farms at no cost to the farmer. The plastic is processed in the United States and recycled into products Through University of Wisconsin-Extension, people of Wisconsin and beyond can access university resources and engage in learning, wherever they .
