§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what she estimates the cost will be of starting a scheme for plastic sheet recycling for farmers; [37988]
(2) what the estimated weight is of unrecycled plastic in the countryside; and what its environmental impact is. [37989]
§ Mr. MeacherAn estimated 43,000 tonnes a year of non-packaging plastic waste is produced on farms. In addition, it is estimated that there is about 45,000 tonnes a year of plastic packaging waste on farms. Currently, there are only a small number of local voluntary schemes in operation to collect farm plastics for recycling.
We are at present developing a Regulatory Impact Assessment to assess the various costs and benefits of the options for introducing a scheme to collect and recycle farm plastics. This RIA will be included in the forthcoming consultation document on the application to agricultural waste of the Waste Framework Directive.