Clean Rivers, Healthy Farms
20th May 2025
NEW WELSH SCHEME
TACKLING AGRI-PLASTIC POLLUTION
The Teifi, Tywi, Usk and Cleddau rivers are lifelines for farmers, wildlife, and rural communities. But they’re under threat—from industrial pollution, plastic waste, soil runoff and more.
The four rivers are Special Areas of Conservation—home to rare wildlife like otters, lamprey, salmon and water crowfoot. Cleaning them up benefits farms, fisheries and the wider rural economy.
Agricultural plastics—silage wrap, feed bags, twine and buckets—often end up on riverbanks or washed into the water system. Once there, they block fish migration, damage habitats and increase flood risk.
Agricultural plastics play a key role in sustainable farming enterprises, but to avoid the risks of river and environmental pollution, there needs to be an effective, reliable, end of life management solution for farmers.
Now, a new solution is being rolled out. Four Rivers for LIFE, a Welsh Government-backed project, has launched a practical scheme to clean up the rivers—with farmers at the heart of it.
Teaming up with Agricultural Plastics Environment UK (APE) and Birch Farm Plastics, the project is offering a financial incentive for farmers to recycle their used plastics. In effect – get plastics off the farm and into the recycling centres.
WHAT’S ON OFFER?
Farmers in the four river catchments can drop off waste plastics at dedicated Drop Off Centres, or arrange on farm collection. All at reduced costs. The aim: make plastic recycling cheaper, easier, and more widespread.
HOW IT WORKS
- Check eligibility – Call Birch Farm Plastics (01792 869776) to confirm you’re in the eligible scheme area (postcode-based).
- Book your slot – Drop off at a nearby site or request a collection (drop-off is cheaper).
- Drop-Off Days – Cenbtres accept waste plastics 1 day each month with dates confirmed directly with customer booking.
- Save money – Thanks to Four Rivers for LIFE funding, you’ll pay less than standard recycling fees.
- Plastics accepted – Silage wrap and film, feed/fertiliser bags, buckets, netting and twine. Plastics must be sorted by type.
- Receive a Waste Transfer Note – Essential for record-keeping and compliance.
This is a limited-time offer—so don’t delay. Farmers outside the catchment area are also welcome to use the centres, but the financial incentive is only for those within the scheme boundary.
STORAGE TIPS TO SAVE MORE
Recycling costs are based on weight, so clean, dry plastics cost less for farmers to recycle. That’s why we recommend storing waste out of the rain and away from watercourses and mucky yards. Also, secure them to prevent windblown loss, which can lead to more river pollution.
LOCATIONS
Four Rivers for LIFE Drop-Off Centres are planned for: Daltons ATVs Talsarn (Lampeter), Crymych, Llandovery, Sennybridge, Raglan, and Carmarthen (TBC). All within the four rivers catchment areas. More sites may be added based on demand.
QUOTES FROM THE TEAM
Chris Thomas, Four Rivers for LIFE:
“Farm plastics have been found in our rivers and are contributing to wider environmental problems. This scheme is about practical solutions that help farmers and nature.”
Ian Creasey, APE:
“Drop-Off Centres have worked across Europe. Now it’s time to bring that success to Welsh farms and rivers.”
Cheryl Birch, Birch Farm Plastics:
“We already collect from farms across Wales, but more centres mean more farmers recycling—and lower costs to farmers thanks to the Four Rivers support.”
For more info, call Birch Farm Plastics and check if you qualify.
Let’s clean up our rivers—together.
Birch Farm Plastics: 01792 8690776 or email at: admin@birchfarmplaastics.co.uk
Agriculture Plastics Environment: info@ape-uk.com
Four Rivers for Life: https://naturalresources.wales
