Southern Downs Regional Council is delivering a six-month Agricultural Plastic Recycling Pilot to improve recycling options for agricultural use plastics across the region. The pilot will run from March 2026 to August 2026.
Proudly supported by the Queensland Government, the pilot will trial new ways for growers to collect, prepare and recycle agricultural plastics like drip tape and netting, helping reduce landfill waste and support more sustainable farming practices across the Southern Downs.
As part of the pilot, Council has purchased a specialised piece of equipment known as an Andros Ultra Binder. This machine will be attached to the back of a tractor and is designed to efficiently collect used irrigation drip tape from paddocks and wind it into tight, dense coils ready for recycling.
The pilot will:
- trial improved collection and preparation methods for agricultural plastics
- provide access to specialised equipment to help prepare irrigation drip tape for recycling
- support growers to participate in recycling programs
- test systems that may be expanded across the region in the future.
