Ryedale farmers could soon be taking advantage of a new scheme set up in North Yorklshire to dispose of polythene wrapping around bales.

Phil Lyth, head of the county's Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group said: "Disposing of waste polythene and plastic is an ever growing problem for farmers and can cause significant envrionmental problems. Burning is prohibited by legislation with up to a £20,000 fine, and disposal to landfil is costly."

Now, says Mr Lythe, various plastic materials produced by farmers can be recycled into a raw material and used to make a variety of products including posts and picnic benches!

Plans are now being made to set up a pilot collection scheme with the aid of European Union regional funding in the Yorkshire Dales.

FWAG is working with the National Trust, Yorkshire Agricultural Society, and the Dales National Park and other organisations with the aim of widening the area covered by the initial scheme.

Mr Lyth said: "We see responsible farm waste management and recycling as an integral part of whole farm conservation, and are keen to play an active role in this new initiative which is urgently needed."

Already some 250 farmers are involved who have sent in 600 tonnes of polythene for recycling. However not all farm plastics can be recycled, says Glenis Postlethwaite, a FWAG development officer. "Bale stretch wrap, silage sheets, small feed, fertiliser and mineral bags and half-tonnes fertiliser bag liners can all be recycled, but baler twine cannot."

Updated: 08:54 Thursday, April 12, 2001