The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA, Edinburgh / UK; www.sepa.org.uk) has outlawed the burning of farm and most agricultural waste across the country from 1 January 2019. A change in Scotland’s environmental regulations in 2013 meant farmers could continue burning plastics only under an exemption, and SEPA is now taking steps to further reduce the environmental impacts of farm waste.

This move, which will affect plastic silage wrap, crop covers, fertiliser bags and containers, follows discussion between SEPA and environmental charity Zero Waste Scotland (Stirling, Scotland / UK; www.zerowastescotland.org.uk). SEPA has also worked closely with the National Farmers Union in Scotland (Ingliston, Scotland / UK; www.nfus.org.uk) to roll out the change which will feature ongoing dialogue with farmers and crofters – a type of small holding – over the coming months.

SEPA’s waste and landfill tax manager Gary Walker said while many farmers have been recycling this type of waste for years, it was important that all farmers take steps now to ensure they are ready. “By recycling farmers are once more doing their bit for the environment, supporting their local community and helping ensure that plastic materials are kept in use for as long as possible by maximising the value that can be extracted from them,” he added.

Ending the exemption will align with the legal requirement for all Scottish businesses to present plastics and other items separately for collection and help boost the Scottish market for recycled plastics, SEPA said.