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, plastic mulch was 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 this plastic in a method that reduces the dirt and plant material collected and also creating a roll 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

Heavy Wall Hose Pile

The key to making the plastic mulch 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.

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 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 (removing the sides of the plastic from the ground).

Mega Binder Retrieval – Mulch

Mega Binder Retrieval – Mulch

Mega Roll- Mulch

Mega Rolls – Mulch

After the mulch is retrieved, the farmer can use the same Mega binder to collect drip tape or heavy wall drip lines from the field. The Mega rolls created of plastic mulch,  drip tape, or heavy wall hose are consolidated in one location on the farm to await collection. Once the farm is finished retrieving a significant amount or all of the materials, Andros coordinates the collection and transportation of the materials to our network of recycling facilities.

Mega Binder Retrieval – Drip Tape

Mega Binder Retrieval – Drip Tape

Mega Roll – Drip Tape

Mega Rolls – Drip Tape

Mega Binder Retrieval – Heavy Wall Hose

Mega Binder Retrieval – Heavy Wall Hose

Mega Roll – Heavy Wall Hose

Mega Rolls – Heavy Wall Hose

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.