MSD Recycling Programme VetSouth

VetSouth are proud to be part of the MSD Vaxipack Recycling Programme, providing recycling options for our farmers in Gore, Tapanui and Winton. You can drop empty MSD Vaccine Vaxipacks® in collection bins at your local VetSouth clinic, and MSD will take care of the rest, ensuring the plastic is repurposed and doesn’t end up in landfill.

What products can be recycled?

The following MSD Vaxipacks can be recycled:

Where and when can I drop off my vaccine packaging?

You can drop off your MSD Vaccine Vaxipacks at our Gore, Tapanui or Winton clinics during opening hours. Find your nearest clinic here.

If the pack isn’t completely empty the top can be cut off and contents disposed of, or contents can be removed by emptying with a vaccinating gun and draw-off tube or syringe.

What about the metal bung, draw-off tube and plastic neck tie – do these need to be removed and are these recycled?

No, these do not need to be removed. The sorting sites have committed to removing them and are doing their best to try and recycle these items also. However, the product must be clean and free from mud/blood.

Does this cost anything?

No, this is fully funded by MSD.

What happens to the recycled plastic?

The courier transports the full bin liners to local processing sites in Te Awamutu (North Island) and Blenheim (South Island) where the vaxipacks are sorted, processed and consolidated prior to being turned into new products as part of the circular
economy.

FURTHER READING

Latest news

Are lice a problem on your farm?

As we head into the colder months on the West Coast, lice infestations can become an increasing concern.  While common across New Zealand, the West Coast’s unique climate – cool, moist, andRead more

Down cow prevention

“Down cows? That’s something that I don’t need to worry about happening until spring...” you might be thinking, but now is the time to start planning how to prevent the impacts of those downRead more

Rounding up repro results

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Repro Round Up dinner and discussion. It was an enjoyable evening with fantastic food, cheerful company, and some striking stats. There was greatRead more

Protect your future herd

Teat sealing has become an increasingly popular and effective method to reduce the risk of clinical and subclinical mastitis in heifers.  Heifers are particularly vulnerable to mastitis before theyRead more

Preparing them for dry-off: Multimin Evolution

Zinc and manganese are two essential microminerals for dairy cows and calves.  Animals deficient in these trace elements can have problems with health and immunity, making them more susceptible toRead more

Can you vaccinate against mastitis?

Both clinical and subclinical mastitis impact animal welfare, have significant costs, and lower sustainability. There are now two vaccines available to help boost cow immunity to mastitis, with the Read more

An AB tech’s wishlist

The major reason why AB technicians are not allowed to work in herringbone pits anymore is health and safety.  The risks include: trip/fall hazards (vertical bars and concrete don’t have any give,Read more

What the FEC?

FEC (faecal egg count) testing is the method for determining the number of internal parasite eggs in a poo sample. We use FECs to assess the burden of roundworms in a cattle herd and to determine ifRead more

Autumn parasites: Liver fluke & Ostertagia

Liver fluke is a parasite that is pretty common on the West Coast. The life cycle of the parasite (properly called Fasciola Hepatica) is slightly different from other parasites as it involves a smallRead more

High cell count cows

This season has been a challenging one, starting out so wet and then really drying up from Boxing Day.  One issue that is occurring on quite a few farms this season is elevated cell counts and anRead more

It's scanning season

Aged pregnancy diagnosis (scanning) allows for clearer expectations and better management in spring, as you will accurately know when cows will be due to calve. Scanning also allows the mating seasonRead more

Out of sight, out of mind: Facial Eczema

It can be hard trying to focus on what we don’t see! For every clinical case of facial eczema (FE) there are 10 subclinical cases. FE is caused by a fungus, pithomyces chartarum, which grows onRead more