ANDROS IS LEADING THE CHARGE TO MAKE MORE AG PLASTICS RECYCLABLE.
Farming operations continue to look for ways to improve their production practices and the handling and recycling of ag plastics, such as plastic mulch, is becoming a larger focus. In the past, many agricultural plastics were difficult to remove from the field without a lot of dirt and plant material. Not exactly the ideal product to be recycled. Andros is helping farming operations retrieve these types of plastic in a method that reduces the dirt and plant material collected and also create rolls in a format that is efficient enough to be transported and recycled. No more giant, unrulily piles of plastic to be hauled to the local landfill.
The old way:
Drip Tape Pile
Plastic Mulch Pile
Heavy Wall Hose Pile
IT’S ALL ABOUT HOW YOU RETRIEVE THE MATERIAL.
The key to making the agricultural plastics recyclable is the Mega binder. The Mega binder helps remove debris during the retrieval process and then creates a dense roll that can be managed or moved by a forklift. Removing the debris during retrieval has multiple benefits including creating cleaner plastic, for a more desired recycling material, and reducing the total weight of the material. Mechanized retrieval using the Mega binder significantly reduces the pounds per acre of dirt and plant material collected alongside the plastic.
Mega Binder – Drip Tape Retrieval
Process Examples (By Material Type)
Plastic Mulch
1 – Prepare field
The farmer must lift the plastic sides of the mulch out of the soil, using existing extraction processes, and then use the Mega binder at the edge of the field.
2 – Retrieve material
Use the the Mega binder at the edge of the field to collect the material. For this process to work, the mulch must be in one continuous piece in each row. If the mulch is not connected, the grower must tie the pieces together during the process of extraction.
3 – Make a complete Mega roll
Continue to collect material until the spool is full on the Mega binder. Tie the twine and eject the roll from the machine. Many farmers move the machine to a consolidating location at the corner of the field before ejecting the Mega roll.
4 – Consolidate Mega Rolls
Consolidate the Mega rolls in a location that is clean and assessable to trucks to collection.
Drip Tape
1 – Prepare the field
The drip tape will need to be lifted or extracted (depending on burial depth) so the drip tape lines are laying on the surface.
2 – Retrieve drip tape
Multiple lines of drip tape can be retrieved simultaneously.
3 – Create complete Mega rolls
The Mega binder roll is complete when the material reaches the edge of the spool flanges. Twine must tied before the roll is discharged from the machine.
4 – Consolidate Mega rolls
The Mega rolls must be consolidated into one location that is accessible and clean.
Heavy Wall Drip Lines (Hose)
1 – Prepare the field (Orchard/Vineyard)
The drip lines must be detached from any other structures in the orchard or vineyard.
2 – Retrieve hose
Depending of the field set up, two to three hose lines may be retrieved simultaneously.
3 – Create complete Mega rolls
The Mega binder roll is complete when the material reaches the edge of the spool flanges. Twine must tied before the roll is discharged from the machine.
4 – Consolidate Mega rolls
The Mega rolls must be consolidated into one location that is accessible and clean.
Andros is currently working with berry growers in California, Florida, and Mexico to pilot the mulch recycling effort. The farms working in these pilot projects will need to change some cultural practices and invest in equipment. In addition to the benefits of being able to recycle material, the farmers see other benefits of mechanical retrieval including lower labor requirements, better organization of plastic materials, and lower costs.
For questions or requests to participate in recycling programs, contact info@andros-eng.com.
