Ravensdown is a founding member of the Agrecovery recycling scheme, and most Ravensdown product packaging is able to be recycled at no additional cost. Find out more below.
Agrichemical containers, drums and IBCs/pods
There are collection sites nationwide for plastic agrichemical containers of Ravensdown and other participating brands at no charge.
Large users (500+ containers) can request on-property collection on Agrecovery’s website.
For more information refer to Agrecovery website:
Small (20kg) LDPE (no.4 plastic) seed and agrichemical bags
Small plastic bags must be stored in an approved AgRecovery liner in order to be accepted for recycling as part of their scheme. Call 0800 247 326 or email info@agrecovery.org.nz to order your free liners. Once full, they can be returned to any of 70 fixed collection sites across New Zealand at merchant partners Farmlands, Farm Source and PGG Wrightson.
Plasback offers a user pays on-property recycling collection service for small LDPE bags. Their dedicated bins (optional) and liners (compulsory) can be purchased here: https://plasback.co.nz/product-category/bins-liners/ and on-farm collections can be booked here: https://plasback.co.nz/collections/
20kg polypropylene (no. 5 plastic) fertiliser bags
Ravensdown is a founding member of Agrecovery’s new recycling scheme that commenced July 2023.
Small plastic bags must be stored in an approved AgRecovery liner in order to be accepted for recycling as part of the scheme. Call 0800 247 326 or email info@agrecovery.org.nz to order your liners - they're free! The small bag collection site network includes 70 fixed sites across New Zealand at merchant partners Farmlands, Farm Source and PGG Wrightson.
Fertiliser half tonne and one tonne bulk bags
Made from woven polypropylene (PP), and specifically designed to be recyclable (exceeding 95% PP), these bags are accepted back at your local Ravensdown store[i] for recycling at no additional cost.
You can find your closest store that for recycling here.
Plasback also offers a user pays recycling collection service. On farm collections cost $50 and can be booked online.
On a trial basis, Ravensdown is supporting Plasback recycling collections for bulk bags directly off farms in the Canterbury region so there is no collection charge to customers that are taking part in this trial. Ravensdown has always offered this scheme for bulk bags but the return rate is fairly low at about 30%, so we are trialing ways to improve the recycling rate by making this easier for shareholders.
[i] Ravensdown Company operated stores only
It is important to follow the strict guidelines that have been set to ensure that plastic is recyclable and free of contamination. Bags must be given a good shake-out and returned within 6 months. Bags can be stuffed inside one another. Containers and drums must be rinsed, drained and with the lid removed.
What happens to packaging that is sent for recycling?
Containers are recycled here in New Zealand into safe end uses, predominantly underground electrical cable covers.
Large drums and IBCs are either returned to brand owners for re-use, or reconditioned or shredded for recycling (depending on condition).
LDPE and Woven PP bags are sent offshore to Southeast Asia to be pelletised for use in secondary plastic products as there are limited recycling options are limited in New Zealand.
Plasback has developed a number of recycled plastic products such as Tuffboard, a plywood replacement product, and also partners with Future Post for the manufacture of recycled fence posts.
Watch this video of the process for pelletising bags for reuse in recycled products:
Are these schemes accredited by the Ministry for the Environment? (a requirement for certification scheme such as the Cooperative Difference)
Plasback and Agrecovery schemes are accredited under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.