Recycling Markets Center to Host Agricultural Plastics Economic Development Forum

The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center will host an Agricultural Plastics Economic Development Forum on November 6 in Harrisburg, with support from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollutinon Control and Conservation Committee.

 

The forum will integrate stakeholders from both the agricultural and plastics industries to identify barriers and opportunities in expanding utilization of recycled agricultural plastics generated in the Commonwealth.

 

The Washington-based Ag Container Recycling Council estimates that approximately 30 million pounds of plastic containers are generated annually in the United States, with approximately 8 million pounds being currently recovered through their program. Additionally, ever-increasing amounts of plastic film are generated from use in silage bags, weed barriers, and other agricultural uses.

 

As the cost of petroleum remains at record values, the demand for recycled plastic resin remains strong. The RMC is uniquely positioned to identify and implement initiatives to expand this sector.

 

Guests will participate in facilitated discussion to identify demand-side recycling challenges which limit further beneficial use of agricultural plastics. Anticipated outcomes from the Forum include understanding the barriers that reduce effective recovery of agricultural plastics; understanding limits to expansion of processing capacity; and increasing knowledge of economic development opportunities in agricultural plastics recycling.

 

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center website.