3 September 2026
A Southern Downs agricultural plastics recycling pilot is helping growers divert more farm plastics from landfill, with early results showing up to an 80 per cent improvement in irrigation drip tape collection efficiency.
Led by Southern Downs Regional Council, the six-month initiative is trialling specialised equipment and recycling solutions to better collect and process agricultural plastics, including irrigation tape and netting.
At the centre of the trial is the Andros Ultra Binder, which winds used irrigation tape into compact, transport-ready coils. The machine is available to growers free of charge and has already been used across strawberry, tomato and vegetable farms throughout the region.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the trial highlighted the potential for practical on-farm solutions to address one of agriculture's most challenging waste streams.
"Southern Downs is a leading horticultural region, with growers relying on irrigation systems to produce high-quality fruit and vegetables year-round," Mayor Hamilton said.
"Finding practical ways to manage agricultural plastics at the end of their life is an ongoing challenge for the industry, which is why it's encouraging to see growers embracing new solutions that are delivering real results.
"We're seeing participants collect and prepare used irrigation tape far more efficiently, with some reporting improvements of around 80 per cent compared with traditional methods.
"The results we're seeing wouldn't be possible without the strong partnerships behind this project, and Council has worked with growers, recyclers and industry partners to develop practical, locally driven solutions."
Portfolio Councillor for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said the trial was demonstrating how targeted recycling initiatives could reduce agricultural waste and improve resource recovery.
"Every roll of irrigation tape recycled through this program is material that isn't being stockpiled on-farm or sent to landfill," Cr Deane said.
"The trial is demonstrating that practical recycling solutions can deliver real waste reduction outcomes while supporting a more circular approach to managing agricultural plastics across the Southern Downs."
Feedback from participating growers indicates the equipment produces cleaner, tighter coils that are easier and more cost-effective to transport for recycling. While separating tape from plastic mulch can require additional labour, growers have reported transport savings and a substantial reduction in on-farm plastic waste.
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.
RMCG Associate Dr Anne-Maree Boland said the Southern Downs project was helping address a significant national challenge.
"Australian agriculture generates more than 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, yet only around seven per cent is recycled," Dr Boland said.
"The Southern Downs trial is demonstrating how practical, locally based recycling infrastructure can help overcome barriers such as transport costs and distance, making agricultural plastic recycling more viable for regional communities."
Growers interested in participating can access the Andros Ultra Binder and continue to drop off used irrigation tape at the facility, located at 94 Rifle Range Road, Stanthorpe, which is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
For more information, visit:
sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/environment-water-waste/waste-recycling/irrigation-drip-tape-recycling-pilot.
Last edited date 03 Sep 2026