Reduce farm and rural waste

An estimated 366,800 tonnes of waste is disposed of annually on farms in the Waikato region. Below, you’ll find information on how to manage and dispose of waste within the rules for your region and in more environmentally friendly ways.

Up-to-date information about the rules for the activities that farmers commonly undertake – and whether these activities are permitted or need a resource consent – can be found in our farmer’s guide. To ensure you’re managing and disposing of waste within the rules, the following sections should be considered:

• 7.1 Composting
• 7.2 Outdoor burning
• 8.1 Dumps
• 8.2 Offal holes.

Burning waste can release hazardous and toxic substances into the atmosphere. Some items are prohibited from being burnt, such as tyres. Find out more.

Waikato Regional Council does not collect or assist with collection of agrichemical substances and containers, but we can answer questions or give advice.

To dispose of your agrichemicals, you should contact the following.

• Agrecovery – provides New Zealand farmers and growers with nationwide agrichemical container recycling as well as a programme for the collection of unwanted chemicals.
• Your city or district council – they may accept the material at the local waste transfer station or landfill.

Agrecovery provides recycling schemes for triple-rinsed agrichemical containers, drums, silage wrap, silage covers, shrink wrap, feed bags, twine, polypropylene bags, net and even irrigation pipes.

Check out these resources to find out more about safe, sustainable solutions for disposing of on-farm waste.

• Waste management - DairyNZ
• Rubbish to Reusable | NZ Farm Source
• Rural hub | Ministry for the Environment