Frequently Asked Questions
As part of our continuous improvement plan we have been actively talking to farmers, either at open meetings or farm visits, talking about the EEC waste directive and it’s impact on British Agriculture, listed below are some of the frequently asked questions we have encountered on our travels around the country.
- Why charge by the acre?
- Do I pay for the bags?
- Why not crush or chip on farm?
- What is triple rinsing?
- What is classed as farm waste?
- How clean does the waste have to be?
- How many wraps can I get into a bag?
- What do I do with my Fertiliser bags?
- Are caps and foils a problem?
- How many pesticide containers will the bag hold?
- What do Agri.cycle not take?
- What else do I need to know?
- What about Hazardous Waste?
Why charge by the acre?
We have undertaken a lot of research into the amount of waste generated by arable farmers, to reduce the need to compact waste to get more into a liner or bag to reduce cost. Pesticide / dairy hygiene containers are designed not to be crushed and any method to do so is very time consuming leading to additional costs. An added benefit is to know your cost of waste management, at the start of your budget year, with no added extras and no headaches.
Do I pay for the bags?
No, the bags are included in the cost.
Why not crush or chip on farm?
Crushing pesticide containers on farm, as requested by some waste companies to reduce volume, raises some issues regarding spillage and ground contamination. Almost all containers after rinsing, have liquid left in the container. Some pesticide formulations leave a stain on the outside of the can and small amounts will leave the floor stained. Any such actions should be carried out in a bunded area, to minimise the risk of contamination. The same applies to on farm chipping but also the chipped plastic cannot be recycled as the risk of contamination prior to processing is too great. On farm operations we believe are both environmentally and operationally hazardous.
What is triple rinsing?
Pesticide containers have been classified as non hazardous if they have been triple rinsed; this simply is what ever method you use to rinse a can, you repeat it three times, if you do not, the can becomes hazardous waste and liable for extra cost when disposing. It also cannot be recycled, only non-hazardous containers can enter the plastic recycled stream.
What is classed as farm waste?
Anything, which you as the waste holder, discards, intend to discard or is required to discard. You are the sole person who classifies what you intend to use or reuse in the future - however, the Environment Agency may ask you to justify the reason for items you intend not to discard.
How clean does the waste have to be?
We know from being a farmer owned business that the waste will be contaminated! All we ask is that you get and keep the waste as dry as possible prior to collection.
Pesticide containers will have liquid inside (av. 13mls), drips of liquid on the outside and on the cardboard box.
Fertiliser bags will be soiled from time to time!
Silage wraps are not always free of contaminant.
String and net wrap will have straw and hay left after use.
Ask us for advice if you think your waste may be too contaminated, we will help.
How many wraps can I get into a bag?
Our 1400 lt bag holds 125 to 150 and our 200 lt bag holds 14 to 20
What do I do with my Fertiliser bags?
Utilise your waste by filling an empty one with other empty bags - each empty one will hold between 25 and 35. There is no need to separate the inner from the outer just leave the liner intact.
Are caps and foils a problem?
No, we provide a small bag to keep your caps and foils together, when this is full, tie off and place in the top of the pesticide container bag.
How many pesticide containers will the bag hold?
Approx 100 to 125 cans equivalent to 70 acs of spraying per year.
What do Agri.cycle not take?
PTO guards - Tyres - Batteries, etc. - check with your Local Environment Agency for information on how to dispose of these responsibly or visit their website www.wasterecycling.org.uk for your nearest depot.
Needles, syringes and medicine bottles are being collected by the veterinary service.
Alternatively, please ring our Head Office on (01673) 878215 who will be happy to help.
What else do I need to know?
Exemptions are required for your waste. The exemption pack can be obtained from the Environment Agency tel. 0845 603 3113 or visit their website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ for an information pack.
What about Hazardous Waste?
Please contact your local collection point for details of types of hazardous waste they accept. The majority will accept oil filters and grease gun cartridges but these have to be delivered into the collection point, we are not able to collect any form of hazardous waste. Alternatively ring our Head Office on (01673) 878215 who will be able to advise you.