Managing waste on the farm involves handling, reducing, and finding new uses for the various types of waste produced during farming and processing. This includes leftover crops, animal waste, and by-products from processing. Effective waste management means using strategies to minimise how this waste affects the environment while following environmental rules and encouraging sustainable practices. By managing waste well, farmers can help take care of the environment and support the global goal of responsible resource management in agriculture.
Various types of waste can impact the environment, such as:
- Crop waste/residue comprises non-edible parts of plants left after harvest, including stems, leaves, and agricultural residues. Examples include orchard or vineyard waste, corn stalks, potato vines, and wheat straw.
- Packing waste results from activities involved in sorting, cleaning, and packaging agricultural products. Examples include packaging materials like plastic, cardboard, and foam, as well as damaged or unsuitable fruits and vegetables.
- Animal waste refers to organic matter produced by farm animals, such as manure and bedding materials used in livestock operations. Examples include cow manure, poultry litter, and bedding straw.
- Hazardous waste in agriculture includes materials that pose a threat to human health or the environment; thus, hazardous waste is associated with the use of agrochemicals. Examples include chemical containers, used pesticide containers, residues from certain agrochemicals, overflow and agrochemical spillage at filling points or agrochemical storage facilities.
- General waste refers to generated waste that does not pose an immediate environmental hazard or threat. This might include waste generated from construction and demolition, and the majority of waste is classified as non-hazardous waste.
For more information on how to manage waste more effectively in your agriculture business, feel free to go to Member Resources on your MySIZA platform profile and refer to the SIZA Waste Management Guideline or contact victor@siza.co.za / 021 852 8184.