Farm Wastes (including odour and noise)

Many years ago farmers had few, if any, options for farm waste disposal, which meant that they filled depressions, washaways and gullies with their farm wastes. Now with recycling options, public landfills and creative reuse ideas for waste, farmers are able
to treat farm waste differently.

If not properly managed, farm wastes, noise and odour can cause issues with the neighbours and the general community. That is because it is easy to recognise these issues (e.g. you can see rubbish blowing around). Environmentally, the other key problem is the pollution of both ground and surface waters.

What you gain and what it costs

Do any of these look familiar?

What you need to know (Victoria only)

1. Silage wrap recycling - Requirements of recycling companies:
   1. The plastic must be as clean as possible of silage and other foreign matter.
   2. There is no need to wash the material, just shake or wipe plastic.
   3. No contamination with bale strings and net wrap.
   4. No contamination with steel, wood, dead animals, etc.
   5. Store the plastic film in a dry area, if possible.
2. Before disposing of any items on the property, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) suggests you check with the local council as to its requirements.
3. Only burn dry vegetative wastes in accordance with local council by-laws and the Country Fire Authority.
4. Dead stock - The EPA has requirements to follow when selecting a site to bury dead stock. This is only an option when knackery disposal or burning is not available, or possible.
   1. The burning of industrial wastes, including silage plastics, is prohibited.
   2. A burial pit should be covered with at least one metre of soil.
   3. Located on elevated land, but with a slope of less than 5%, where possible.
   4. The base of the burial pit must be at least two metres from the watertable.
   5. Be at least 100m from any surface waters.
   6. Be at least 300m from houses.
   7. Avoid highly permeable soils.
   8. Dispose of the body as soon as possible.
5. Environment Protection Act 1970 administered by the EPA:
   1. Milk must not be discharged into watercourses.
   2. Under no circumstances should you dispose of household garbage, unwanted chemicals, waste oils or lubricants on your property - these wastes should be disposed of at facilities licensed to receive the wastes, such as local council landfill for household wastes.
   3. Unreasonable noise from fixed plant may be addressed by legislation on a case-bycase basis.
   4. The burning of industrial wastes, including silage plastics, is prohibited.
   Note: If you are suspicious that the dead stock may have a notifiable or exotic disease, the carcasses must be disposed of under the direction of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (see ‘Additional information’). If in doubt, contact your vet.
6. Your dairy company may have some requirements regarding farm wastes. Please check your quality assurance requirements and with the dairy company.
7. Drummuster recycle - contact your local council office for collection times in your area.
8. Scrap metal recycle - recycle companies are prepared to supply bins and pay for scrap metal.

Disclaimer: The following is only a guide to the law affecting farmers in the environmental field. The general area is quite complex and affected by numerous Acts and Regulations, some of which are very detailed. In addition, changes are made on a regular basis to the legislation. The precise effect in a given situation will require expert advice and this should be sought from an appropriate professional or the relevant government agency.

Additional information

These resources can help you develop your Action Plan (Organisations, their contact details and website information were correct at the time of publication. Information may change without notice).