WCCD’s first ag plastic recycling event a sucess

Results of WCCD’s first ag plastic recycling event. Photo credit WCCD.

by Sara Swanson

We reported this spring that the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) was hosting an agricultural plastic-recycling collection event on April 13,at the Washtenaw Food Hub. This event was the first of its kind and held through its Transition to Organic Partnership Program.

Kristen Sutter, WCCD Natural Resource Technician explained, “Farming is widespread in Washtenaw County, and while agricultural plastics are essential to farm operations, disposal options in the region remain limited. As a result, these materials often accumulate on farms until producers are able to rent a dumpster or, in some cases, resort to burning them. Through this initiative, we aimed to begin building a more permanent system where farmers can conveniently drop off agricultural plastics to be recycled and returned to reliable manufacturing streams.”

WCCD deemed the event a success, collecting 1,549 pounds of agricultural plastics that will now be diverted from landfills and returned to manufacturing streams. Of that total, 517 pounds consisted of horticultural pots and trays that will be recycled into new pots, while 1,032 pounds were silage tarp and bale cover.

For this event they partnered with Sunfield Recycling Center, one of the only facilities in the region currently handling bale cover and silage tarp, as well as East Jordan Plastics, which operates a closed loop recycling system that turns used horticultural plastics into new pots and trays. They are looking to establish a relationship with a local Materials Recovery Facilities or another facility equipped with a baler and willing to stockpile materials to strengthen and scale this effort going forward. 

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.