Reducing Plastic Waste in Farming Operations

From chemical bottles and pesticide containers to silage wraps, farmers and growers in North America are big single-use plastic users. Plastic has definitely transformed our everyday lives. However, keep in mind that the volume of plastic, its increasing use in farming operations, and its long lifespan make it one of our most significant waste problems.

The good news is that now cutting-edge recycling and reuse programs in the US and Canada are finding new ways to deal with plastic waste and reduce the use of plastic in agriculture. Despite this, some materials such as polyethylene mulch film have high processing costs largely due to contamination (roughly 30-40% contamination rate) thus more still needs to be done. 

Prevalence of Plastic

Plastic is omnipresent on agricultural fields and farms. Plastic is used to cover crops and wrap silage, and in tubing for irrigation. It is also used to transport feed and fertilizer. Used as cover for fruit trees, mulch and weed blockers for produce, and wrapping for greenhouse liners, hay bales, and seed trays, plastic has been extensively used in agriculture and farm operations since the 1950s.  

Did you know that the biggest contributor to this problem is polyethylene film. These sheets are spread over the soil in order to serve as a type of plastic mulch and make up more than 40% of the agri-plastic market, which is concerning.

Effects of Plastic Use on Soil Health

According to research, microplastics (pieces less than five mm in diameter) can potentially disrupt soil biology, drainage, fertility, and structure. This is problematic as it can affect root growth, germination, and overall plant health.

And due to their physical properties and traits, plastic particles also seem to act as a magnet for pathogens, salt, and many toxic chemicals in soils.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – A Comprehensive Approach to Reducing Plastic Use

While we often look to recycling to help minimize the impacts of waste, people often forget that there are 3 Rs in the waste hierarchy, with Recycling being the last.

Reduce - Simply put, if there is less waste then there is less to reuse or recycle. In farming practice that means purchasing material like seed in bulk that use less packaging or using soil blocks or CowPots instead of plastic seed trays.

There is considerable interest in reducing the use and impact of plastic in farm operations in North America. For example, this is evident in the growth and popularity of companies that specialize in agricultural irrigation drip tape. Keep in mind that most US states have enacted rules and laws against outdoor plastics burning, and this has generated interest in other viable options.

One option is to use less plastic on farms in the first place. This is possible by extending plastic use through more than one growing season. For instance, some growers and farmers can get two or more seasons out of a single set of plastic mulch films by using them again with a different crop.

Reuse - Finding another use for items to extend their life is the second step in the waste hierarchy. Reusing farm plastics takes some creativity and doesn’t have to involve reusing them within your own operation or farming even. Looking for ways the used material can be upcycled to extend its lifespan.

Recycle - The last step in the hierarchy that allows the material to be converted back into a raw material. Making a conscious effort to purchase items that are able to be recycled is a significant help but not all plastics can be recycled.

Policymakers, farming organizations, and responsible businesses in Canada and the US are coming up with novel and simple solutions to fight environmental challenges and issues caused by the increased use of plastics in farming operations. 

For example, a notable organization in the US is gathering used drip irrigation tape from farmers. After that, it recycles these tapes into resins and sells them as raw materials to various companies, such as plastic packaging centers. This helps reduce the environmental impacts of wasted drip irrigation tapes.But not all farm plastics are created equal making recycling incredibly challenging. 

Many American and Canadian farmers and growers are looking to slash waste, and plant-based plastic or biodegradable products are an increasingly popular and viable alternative, which is part of a growing North American bioeconomy.

But now there’s a 4th R in the hierarchy of waste…

Recover - Using innovative techniques turning waste into a sustainable resource or to help restore the environment. Digesters to create energy and biodegradable materials that add nutrients or value back to the environment are popular examples of recovery.

Swapping Plastic Mulch

Many experts believe that swapping out polyethylene plastic mulch for an eco-friendly and biodegradable alternative can be our best bet to reduce plastic use in farm operations. This is because it does not need to be removed, and farmers can simply till it into the soil at the end of the growing season. Certified compostable biodegradable mulch film like FilmOrganic leaves no plastic residue in soil and actually helps nourish and replenish the soil by adding matter. There is no toxic residue left in the soil or runoff into waterways. As well, vegetables and fruits are safe from any residual contamination or leeching. 

Other Measures  

Environmental agencies and government bodies are also working to help facilitate and promote new habits and strengthen existing practices by working with the agricultural sector, including:

Ø  Advising agricultural businesses and farmers on the need to meet the duty of care requirements to make sure their plastic waste goes to the right place.

Ø  Sharing growing evidence of adverse environmental impacts from agricultural plastics with the sector.

Ø  Running workshops and training sessions for farm advisors.

Final Thoughts

Over the last few decades, plastic in agriculture and farm operations has garnered increasing global attention because of its environmental impacts. The current level of plastic use and agro-waste emissions in North America is not just harming the ecosystem but also reducing soil fertility and biodiversity.

To identify and lower the plastic footprint of agriculture, it is vital to increase the awareness of plastic agro-waste and stress on recycling and capacity for management. Modern growers are looking to creative solutions that use a combination of technology and creative partnerships to reuse or recover plastics in their operations since recycling is not always possible.