DOs Consider using the DEFRA/BOC Manual "Opportunities for saving money by reducing waste on your farm" to help identify potential cost and efficiency savings in minimising waste production. Only burn waste oil in appliances authorised by SEPA for this purpose. Reduce, re-use and recycle waste, wherever possible, by segregating waste such as plastic bags and wrapping materials. Collect and store waste plastic straight after use and contact an approved plastic recycling scheme if the plastic is deemed no longer useable. Recycle waste oil, lubricants, scrap metal and tyres. Keep farm steadings and farmland clean and tidy and free from unsightly litter from farming activity, especially farm plastics, containers and old machinery. Monitor water use carefully and reduce any leakage or wastage, especially where such leakage is contributing to levels of waste production (i.e. of stored slurry). Use an irrigation scheduling service or direct measurements of soil status to avoid over and under application of irrigation water. Ask for free advice from the Energy Efficiency Office. Call the Environment and Energy Helpline on Freephone 0800 585 794. Follow the Scottish Executive "Four Point Plan", the individual components of which are specified as follows: produce and implement a risk assessment for manures and slurries; produce and implement a farm nutrient plan; protect watercourses and carry out water margin management; undertake a separate assessment of farmyard drainage.
| DON'Ts Import solid wastes destined for landfill sites without proper authority. Consult SEPA about the legal requirements. Contaminate clean water with livestock slurry or animal manures or farmyard run-off. Burn plastic, packaging, tyres, waste oil or waste straw. Dump old machinery, scrap metal, plastic or other rubbish on farmland or farm tips.
(Such disposals are likely to be covered by forthcoming waste legislation.) Tolerate fly-tipping. Report any such activity to the Police, Local Authority or SEPA. Hesitate to get involved in any local recycling initiatives operated by Machinery Rings or other groups. |