A NEW trial scheme is being launched this month to help farmers get rid of waste plastic, writes Farming Reporter Jennie Dennett.

The Cumbria Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme (CFPRS) is joining forces with farm support network Rural Futures to set up a trial collection in Brampton and another in as yet undisclosed location in south Cumbria.

Glenis Postlethwaite, of Rural Futures, said the scheme was intended to try to limit disposal costs for farmers and ensure the plastic from things like bale wrap was disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.

"It causes all sorts of problems in landfill since it blocks drainage," she said. "It is also illegal to burn it or bury it on farm."

With the advent of farm waste regulations to bring agriculture into line with other industries, farms must responsibly dispose of their rubbish and risk fines for breaking the rules.

The CFPRS was collecting farm plastics from across the county, but with the advent of the new regulations the charitable project can no longer secure grant funds to run the existing scheme.

The new trails will involve neighbouring farmers working together as a waste collection group'. Each group will have a central dedicated point where all the plastic will be taken for collection.

The farmers involved in these two initial collections are being asked to sort their different types of waste plastic into separate bins, each fitted with a special liner. Plastic will not be collected unless it is sorted into bespoke, clear plastic liners so CFPRS can see what is inside. The bags can be bought from agricultural merchants such as Carrs Billington or Eden Farm Supplies in Brough.

Farmers will have a pay a fee for the collection of each full liner. The price will be determined by the fee charged by BPI Dumfries, which recycles the plastic into items like garden furniture and spongy matting used in children's playgrounds. Their fee fluctuates with the oil price.

In addition to the trails, CFPRS is keen to help other farmers set up their own waste collection groups and advice is available from project officer Alison Hargreaves on 0771-3333153 or Jean Canniffe at Voluntary Action Cumbria on 01768-242130.

Mrs Postlethwaite said: "There are so many rules lurking about over waste collection.

"Once you go past so many miles you can't use red diesel and you have to pay if you're carrying other people's stuff. If we can get farmers to work together as small groups, to collect and sort their stuff centrally, and we will be able to arrange collection from there."