The dairy sector has taken its first step into the rural recycling arena.
The De Laval company has joined a programme, known as Agrecovery.
The agreement means that De Laval products which come in smaller containers - such as teat sprays, alkaline and acid detergents - can now be rinsed and taken to Agrecovery's collection sites throughout the country.
Bruce Emerson, of the 3R Group, which runs Agrecovery, says the partnership is significant because it gives all of De Laval's customers an opportunity to support the programme.
Forty organisations are signed up to the scheme and support from the agrichemical sector is described as "good". However, only 20% of dairy farmers are using the programme.
Mr Emerson hopes that number will grow to 60% within five years.
