What do I do with…?

Farm Debris

What is Farm Debris? Farm debris is any discarded material that can accrue from the preparation, production, and/or distribution of farm products (crops, grains, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats, etc.).

Why is it a problem? Fertilizer and pesticide runoff is a major issue that harms lakes, streams, rivers, and oceans. These chemicals cause an imbalance in the natural flow of ecosystems creating toxic conditions in wildlife habitats. Significant amounts of organic and inorganic debris can be generated during production, much of which is discarded as waste and sent to the landfill.

Examples: plastic drip tape, produce packaging (clamshells, bags, etc), reemay, cardboard, black plastic sheeting, baling twine, clippings, crop starter trays, fertilizer, fertilizer and nutrient containers, egg cartons, feed bags, tools, machinery, animal feed

Reduce

• Purchase supplies in bulk and look for brands that support less packaging

• Limit your use of reemay, black plastic sheeting, and other geotextiles made from polypropylene or polyester

• Consider organic farming or reducing the amount of fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides used

• Purchase compostable containers for produce sales to reduce use of plastic containers

Reuse

• Reuse bulk containers

• Baling twine and drip tape have many uses – don’t just throw it away, check out these creative options!

• Borrow from your fellow farmers – chances are they have materials, machinery, or tools that could be shared

• Feed bags are durable and great for reusing as tarps, coverings, etc.

• Ask customers to save and collect their egg cartons to return back

• Repair broken tools or buy used ones instead of buying new

• Call your local electric company to see if they give out free wood chips

Recycle

• Compost unwanted food and yard clippings

• A number of local distilleries and breweries that give away free leftover grains that can be used for animal feed:

  • Call beforehand to ensure adequate supply and pick-up policies

  • Montgomery Distillery gives away stillage in 500 gallon containers

  • Draught Works gives away spent grain

• Most grocery stores put out unused veggie scraps for farmers to pick up for free to use as animal feed

  • Call your local grocers to confirm. Examples: Good Food Store, Natural Grocers.

• USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service has a field poly tubing and drip tape recycling program.