With the recent updates in this year’s Autumn Budget, the agricultural sector is facing new financial pressures, especially when it comes to waste disposal. As landfill tax rates continue to rise, the costs of traditional disposal methods are increasing, and this affects farmers directly.
For many farms that rely on single-use plastics like silage wrap, feed bags, and netting, these higher costs are challenging already tight margins. Now, more than ever, adopting sustainable waste management practices is crucial—not only to reduce environmental impact but also to keep operations financially sustainable.
Here’s a closer look at what the Autumn Budget means for agricultural waste disposal costs and how the Green Tractor Scheme can help farmers navigate these changes with confidence that their waste is being handled responsibly.
Landfill Tax Increases and the rising costs of Waste Disposal

One of the most significant changes in the Autumn Budget is an increase in landfill tax rates, which is part of the government’s strategy to encourage environmentally responsible waste disposal. By raising the costs of using landfill use, policymakers aim to promote recycling and waste reduction initiatives across industries, including agriculture.
For farmers, this means that relying on traditional disposal methods for agricultural plastics will be more costly. The increased landfill tax rates impact the cost of disposing of items like bale wrap and plastic feedbags, raising the financial burden on farms that have not yet made the switch to responsible waste management practices.
The Role of The Green Tractor Scheme: Assuring Responsible Recycling
The Green Tractor Scheme isn’t a collector itself, but it plays a vital role in ensuring that agricultural plastic waste is recycled responsibly. By choosing our accredited Green Tractor Collectors farmers can be confident that their plastic waste is handled in an environmentally friendly way, without ending up in a landfill or causing pollution.
Accredited collectors operating under the Green Tractor Scheme commit to high standards of recycling. This includes proper collection, sorting, and processing of plastics to make sure they are repurposed rather than discarded. With the scheme’s assurance, farmers can avoid the increased landfill taxes while contributing to a more sustainable agricultural industry.
How Green Tractor-Accredited Collectors Help Farmers Save on Disposal Costs
Using Green Tractor-accredited collectors provides farmers with a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional waste disposal. By partnering with trusted collectors who are committed to recycling, farmers can:
- Reduce Financial Pressure from Landfill Costs: With landfill tax rates on the rise, working with accredited collectors helps farmers avoid paying for landfill disposal altogether, offering a more budget-friendly option for handling plastic waste.
- Support Sustainability and Compliance: The Green Tractor Scheme aligns with the government’s goals for sustainable waste management. By using accredited collectors, farmers ensure compliance with waste regulations and demonstrate a commitment to responsible recycling.
- Promote the Circular Economy in Agriculture: Through the recycling efforts of accredited collectors, used plastics are reintroduced into the supply chain, reducing the need for new materials and supporting a circular economy. This approach benefits both the environment and the agricultural sector by conserving resources and minimizing waste.
Budget Changes and the Importance of Sustainable Farming Practices
The Autumn Budget’s increase in landfill taxes highlights a larger trend: an emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction. For farmers, adjusting to these changes is essential for both environmental and financial reasons. By choosing accredited collectors through the Green Tractor Scheme, farms can align with national sustainability goals while keeping costs down.
The Green Tractor Scheme ensures that plastics collected from farms are processed responsibly, giving farmers peace of mind that they are making a positive environmental impact without incurring higher landfill fees. Participating in this program also helps farmers build a reputation as responsible stewards of the land, contributing to a more resilient and eco-friendly farming community.
Why Responsible Recycling is a Win-Win for Farmers and the Environment
As waste disposal costs rise, working with Green Tractor-accredited collectors isn’t just an environmentally friendly choice—it’s also a smart financial decision. By choosing these collectors, farmers reduce their dependency on costly landfill services, lower their waste management expenses, and contribute to sustainable practices that benefit everyone.
The Green Tractor Scheme provides farmers with the assurance they need to know that their plastics are recycled responsibly, supporting the shift to a more circular and sustainable agricultural sector. With the added pressures from the Autumn Budget, now is the time to make the switch to accredited, responsible waste disposal.
If you’re ready to learn more about the Green Tractor Scheme and how it can help your farm navigate the rising costs of waste disposal, reach out today. Join the community of farmers committed to responsible recycling and sustainable practices and make an impact that benefits both your business and the environment.
