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Investigating the Agricultural Use and Disposal of Plastics in Malta
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Researchers surveyed the use and disposal of agricultural plastics in Malta and found that the sector generates significant plastic waste with limited recycling infrastructure. Mulch films, greenhouse covers, and irrigation tubing were among the most common plastic products used, but many farmers lacked access to proper disposal channels. The study calls for better policies and waste collection systems to prevent agricultural plastics from contaminating farmland soils.
The use of plastics in agriculture has become so omnipresent that it has acquired its own lexicon, and it is now known as “plasticulture”. However, since compared to other industries, plastic consumption in agriculture is low, little attention has been paid to this material and its eventual disposal. This disregard is evident within both local and international statistics and policies, despite the close connection its disposal bears to soil health, making correct disposal a prerequisite for improving the health and sustainability of food production processes. Using Malta as a case study, this research utilizes quantitative and qualitative tools to identify and quantify the most common types of agricultural plastic waste generated and to determine the attitudes of farmers towards the establishment of a collection and recycling scheme. While the results indicate that for 38% of respondents, the incineration and plowing of plastic waste are regular practices, they also ascertain the willingness of farmers to acquire additional knowledge about more appropriate methods to dispose of this waste stream, thus guiding policy makers towards the need to initiate educational measures for farmers to prevent these harmful practices. The stakeholder interviews highlight that the present lack of data is a major obstacle, preventing policy from taking this waste stream into account.
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Investigating the Use of Plastic and Its Disposal in Agriculture in Malta
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A case study of Malta found that incineration and direct soil incorporation of agricultural plastic waste are common practices among farmers, releasing chemicals and microplastics into soils that grow food crops. The research identified strong willingness among farmers to adopt better disposal methods, suggesting that education-focused policy interventions could meaningfully reduce agricultural plastic pollution at the source.
Micro plastics mapping in the agricultural sector of Cyprus
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Researchers mapped microplastic pollution across agricultural areas in Cyprus, identifying key hotspots and sources of contamination. They found that plastic mulch films, irrigation systems, and fertilizer applications were major contributors to microplastic accumulation in farmland soils. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policies to reduce plastic use in Mediterranean agriculture and protect both soil health and food safety.
From plasticulture to pollution: addressing disposal and recycling challenges in egyptian farming systems
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Researchers surveyed 300 farmers across three Egyptian governorates to investigate how agricultural plastic film — including mulch and covers — is used and disposed of in Egyptian farming systems. The study identified widespread unsafe disposal practices and limited recyclability as major contributors to plastic pollution in agricultural landscapes.
Management of agricultural plastic waste in Portugal to prevent microplastics
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Researchers examined the management of agricultural plastic waste in Portugal, assessing how mismanagement of plastics used in farming has led to soil contamination with microplastics and identifying practices that reduce plastic fragmentation and environmental release. The study found gaps between best practices and actual farm-level waste management that result in preventable plastic accumulation in agricultural soils.
Farmers' attitudes towards agricultural plastics – Management and disposal, awareness and perceptions of the environmental impacts
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Researchers surveyed 430 Irish farmers and found that while 88% are concerned about agricultural plastic waste, awareness of microplastics specifically remains lower than awareness of general plastic pollution, and recycling rates vary widely based on plastic type and access to facilities.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.