26 March 2026
Southern Downs growers will soon have access to new machinery designed to make recycling irrigation drip tape easier and more efficient as part of a new agricultural plastic recycling pilot being trialled in the region.
At the centre of the pilot is a new Andros Ultra Binder, a machine designed to wind used irrigation drip tape into tight coils ready for recycling. The machinery will be made available to growers across the Southern Downs at no cost to help prepare drip tape for transport and recycling.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the initiative aims to provide practical solutions to help growers manage agricultural plastics more sustainably.
“Growers across the Southern Downs rely on irrigation systems to support our region’s thriving horticulture industry, but managing used drip tape has long been a challenge,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“This pilot provides growers with access to specialised machinery that makes collecting and preparing irrigation drip tape for recycling much easier.”
Portfolio Councillor for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said the pilot would deliver both environmental benefits and practical support for local growers.
“By supporting recycling opportunities like this, we can help reduce agricultural waste going to landfill while supporting practical solutions for our local growers,” Cr Deane said.
The six-month pilot will build on Council’s existing program, which allows growers to drop off used irrigation drip tape free of charge at the Stanthorpe Waste Management Facility.
Through the pilot, the new recoiling machinery will be available for growers to use on their properties, helping wind used drip tape into dense, clean coils that are easier to transport and recycle.
Council has partnered with Granite Belt Growers Association and agricultural consultancy RMCG to deliver the project, which aims to test improved collection methods and increase recycling rates for agricultural plastics across the region.
The program will also help inform future approaches to managing agricultural plastic waste across regional Queensland.
Portfolio Councillor for Productive Communities Cr Carla Pidgeon said collaboration with industry partners was key to ensuring the pilot delivers real benefits for growers.
“The Granite Belt is one of Queensland’s most productive horticultural regions, so it’s important we work closely with growers and industry to develop solutions that are practical on the ground,” Cr Pidgeon said.
“This pilot is an important step toward improving how agricultural plastics are collected and recycled across the Southern Downs.”
Growers will continue to be able to drop off used irrigation drip tape at the Stanthorpe Waste Management Facility, located at 94 Rifle Range Road, which is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
The agricultural plastic recycling pilot is being delivered in collaboration with RMCG and the Granite Belt Growers Association and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
For more information about the program, including guidance on preparing irrigation drip tape for recycling, visit: https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/environment-water-waste/waste-recycling/irrigation-drip-tape-recycling-pilot
Last edited date 26 Mar 2026