Berries Waste Report
Identifying cost-effective options to deal with plastic waste in the berry industry
In response to rising concerns about plastic use plus costs, RDA Moreton Bay commissioned a Plastic Waste Evaluation report by Berries Australia Limited, to act as a starting point for identifying solutions and the engagement of cost-effective solutions.
The report was a starting point for identification of cost-effective options to manage, recycle and/or dispose of particular plastics to reduce the impact on the environment.
The report also highlighted the number of berry growers in the region (31, making Moreton Bay Region the largest strawberry producing region in Queensland) and the innovators using production that involves less plastic.
The main growing areas within Moreton Bay include: Bellmere, Caboolture, Donnybrook, Elimbah, Moodlu, Ningi, Toorbul and Wamuran.
The following plastics were identified as the focus of the project:
Plastic mulch for in-ground strawberry production
Trickly irrigation tape
Tunnel film
Coir bags
The purpose of the report was to provide a more accurate view of the types and volumes of plastic waste being generated on berry farms in Moreton Bay. This information will provide the necessary data for future work on the identification of potential options to manage, recycle and/or dispose of particular plastic types with minimal impact on the cost to growers and the consumer, and minimal negative impact on the environment.
Click below to learn more about the work of Berries Australia.