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PRESS RELEASE. From the San Mateo Resource Conservation District on May 12th, 2026.
RCD Board of Directors.
The San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) and 16 local farms diverted 41,460 pounds of agricultural plastic from going to landfills, instead to be used for future water-efficient production.
Drip irrigation (using thin plastic tubes to deliver water directly to plant roots) is a highly efficient irrigation practice for some types of agricultural production. The material must be replaced regularly, but is difficult to recycle. Its thin, easily tangled and bulky nature makes it hard to handle while its low density and multi-material structure limit economical reprocessing options. Furthermore, it is often caked in soil, which many recycling facilities will not allow.
With funding from County of San Mateo Sustainability Department, the RCD coordinated collection of used drip tape from 16 farms working with a recycling company that uses specialized hauling equipment. The material was transported to a dedicated facility in Paso Robles that converts it into pellets which are then used to make new drip lines.
By offering a convenient local recycling option tailored to agricultural plastics, waste is reduced while supporting sustainable, water‐efficient production of food and flowers.
About the RCD: The San Mateo Resource Conservation District is a local hub for conservation, helping the people of San Mateo County build a more thriving natural environment for all. The district provides comprehensive, non-regulatory services to protect, conserve, and restore natural resources in partnership with landowners and managers, technical advisors, area jurisdictions, government agencies, and others.
For more information visit www.sanmateorcd.org.
More on the San Mateo RCD on Coastside Buzz
Author: mdrag
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