OCCA is the local outreach coordinator for the countywide Recycling Agricultural Plastics Project (RAPP). Since 2009, RAPP has helped recycle more than one million pounds of used plastic that would have otherwise gone into landfills or been disposed of on farms. Recycled agricultural plastics have been used to make diverse products including sidewalk pavers, plywood and lumber, oil and more.
To participate in RAPP, farmers need to follow these best management practices to ensure that the plastic is recyclable:
RAPP currently accepts the following types of agricultural plastic:
- bale wrap
- black and white silage bags
- bunker silo covers
- greenhouse covers
- boat wrap
OCCA is happy to work with you to develop an effective recycling program for your farm. Contact Program Director Jeff O’Handley at (607) 282-4087, or e-mail programdirector@occainfo.org for more information or to get started.
Otsego County RAPP is a cooperative effort of Otsego County Conservation Association, Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District and Cornell University. NYS RAPP is coordinated by the Cornell University Recycling Agricultural Plastics Project. Major funding is from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund, administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.