Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta (RAM) is introducing the Agricultural Greenhouse Plastic Waste Collection Scheme, an initiative designed to support farmers in the responsible management of plastic waste generated through greenhouse cultivation.
Agricultural plastic waste, including greenhouse plastic sheeting, plastic covering materials, mulch films and irrigation tubing, is an important waste stream within the agricultural sector. Through this Scheme, eligible farmers can benefit from an organised collection service that facilitates the proper handling and management of agricultural greenhouse plastic waste.
The initiative forms part of RAM’s commitment to encouraging responsible agricultural practices and reducing the environmental impact associated with the improper management of agricultural plastic waste.
Who can participate?
The Scheme is specifically intended for farmers who operate and actively use agricultural greenhouses for agricultural activities.
To participate, applicants must be registered farmers with the Agriculture Directorate and must provide a valid Farmer Registration Number and Farmer Categorisation Certificate.
The greenhouse must be located on agricultural land that is duly registered with the competent authorities. The relevant agricultural land must also be identified in the application.
Applicants must ensure that the plastic waste they are requesting to have collected was generated from their own agricultural greenhouse activities and falls within the types of agricultural plastic waste accepted under the Scheme.
What agricultural plastic waste can be collected?
The Scheme covers eligible agricultural plastic waste associated with greenhouse cultivation. This may include:
- Greenhouse plastic sheeting;
- Plastic covering materials;
- Agricultural mulch films;
- Irrigation tubing; and
- Other agricultural plastic materials approved under the Scheme.
Farmers are encouraged to separate their agricultural plastic waste from other waste streams before collection.
For the waste to be accepted, it must not contain general household waste, hazardous materials, excessive soil, excessive organic matter or other non-eligible materials.
Proper separation and preparation of the waste are important to ensure that collection can be carried out efficiently and that the material can be managed appropriately.
How can farmers apply?
Farmers wishing to participate in the Scheme must complete the designated application form and provide the required supporting documentation.
Applicants should ensure that all information submitted is accurate and complete. In particular, farmers should have their valid Farmer Registration Number and Farmer Categorisation Certificate available when completing the application.
Information concerning the agricultural greenhouse, the agricultural land on which it is located and the plastic waste intended for collection must also be provided as requested in the application form.
Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee collection. Each application will be assessed against the applicable eligibility requirements of the Scheme.
What happens after an application is submitted?
RAM will assess the application and the supporting information provided.
Where an application meets the applicable eligibility requirements, it will proceed to the collection stage. RAM will then contact the applicant using the contact details provided in the application to communicate the scheduled collection date and the applicable collection arrangements.
Farmers are therefore required to provide a valid contact number and remain available for communication.
Preparing for collection
Once a collection has been scheduled, farmers must ensure that the eligible agricultural plastic waste is ready and accessible at the agreed collection location on the date communicated by RAM.
The waste should be appropriately separated and free from household waste, hazardous materials, excessive soil, excessive organic matter and other non-eligible materials.
The collection point must also be reasonably accessible to RAM’s designated service provider. Farmers should follow any additional instructions provided by RAM concerning the preparation or presentation of the waste.
If a farmer is unable to make the waste available on the scheduled collection date, RAM should be contacted as soon as possible so that the matter can be addressed and, where possible, alternative arrangements considered.
A shared responsibility
The success of the Agricultural Greenhouse Plastic Waste Collection Scheme depends on the cooperation of both farmers and the Agency.
By ensuring that only eligible agricultural plastic waste is presented for collection, providing accurate information and following the collection arrangements communicated by RAM, farmers can help ensure that the service operates effectively.
Responsible management of agricultural plastic waste can also contribute to cleaner agricultural areas, better farm management practices and the reduction of plastic waste entering the wider environment.
Take part in the Scheme
Farmers who operate agricultural greenhouses and meet the applicable eligibility requirements are encouraged to make use of the Agricultural Greenhouse Plastic Waste Collection Scheme.
Before applying, farmers should ensure that they have the required documentation, that the plastic waste originates from their eligible greenhouse activities and that the waste has been properly separated from non-eligible materials.
Applications that satisfy the Scheme’s requirements will be approved for collection, following which RAM will contact the applicant with the relevant collection date and arrangements.
For further information, farmers should consult the Agricultural Greenhouse Plastic Waste Collection Scheme Guidelines and the application form or contact Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta (RAM) through the official channels provided on the Agency’s website.
Link to Application and Guidelines :
