Seven Categories of Agricultural Plastics Eligible for Recycling and Reuse
According to the AFA, the new guidelines clearly specify seven categories of recyclable agricultural plastic materials: agricultural films, greenhouse plastic sheets, mushroom cultivation bags, polypropylene (PP) woven bags, plastic nets, plastic ropes, and plastic pipes, pots, and trays. Commonly used agricultural plastics (excluding pesticide containers) can be pre-treated on-site in accordance with the “Three Principles for Agricultural Film Recycling” (Appendix 1). Materials that meet the acceptance standards outlined in the guidelines are deemed reusable “surplus resources.” Those that do not meet the criteria are classified as waste and must be handled in accordance with the Waste Disposal Act and related regulations.
The AFA noted that agricultural plastics are often contaminated with soil, stones, or other debris after use, raising processing costs and reducing the willingness of recycling institutions to accept them. With the establishment of washing and recycling facilities, farmers, agricultural organizations, facility operators, and licensed transporters can now send eligible plastics for reuse, provided they follow the operational guidelines. Prior to transport, each batch must undergo visual inspection by the transporter to confirm it meets acceptance standards. A completed “Certificate of Origin and Destination for Agricultural Plastics” (Appendix 2) must accompany each shipment and be presented upon delivery. Only agricultural plastics are allowed—no other waste materials may be mixed in.
The AFA further emphasized that upon arrival at the recycling facility, the operator or technical personnel must inspect the materials to ensure compliance with the acceptance standards. Loads that fail inspection must be stamped, rejected, and returned to their original location. Facilities are strictly prohibited from processing any plastic not specified in the guidelines and are required to maintain detailed records of incoming materials and the flow of recycled products, to be reported on a quarterly basis.
Toward Zero Waste: Clean, Sustainable, and Pollution-Free Agriculture
As part of its push for circular agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture has made “zero waste through full-cycle reuse of surplus agricultural resources” a key policy goal. Under these new guidelines, agricultural plastics can be sent to ministry-supported washing and recycling facilities, where they are cleaned, processed, and reused across sectors—preventing illegal disposal, landfilling, or open burning by farmers. In support of the Ministry’s 2040 net-zero emissions target for the agricultural sector, the AFA will continue to organize public information sessions and demonstration events on agricultural film recycling equipment. These efforts aim to promote the use of recyclable materials, reinforce the Three Principles for Agricultural Film Recycling, and ensure adherence to the new operational guidelines—ultimately driving the value-added reuse of agricultural plastic resources.
