drumMUSTER
drumMUSTER is a nationwide program dedicated to the collection and recycling of empty agricultural chemical containers. Since its launch in 1999, the initiative has diverted over 45 million plastic drums from landfill, significantly enhancing environmental sustainability through the safe disposal and repurposing of used chemical drums.
How the program works
1. Prepare your drums
Before bringing your chemical containers to a drumMUSTER collection point, make sure to triple rinse them to remove any chemical residue. After rinsing, remove the lids and allow the containers to dry completely. Since lids can’t be recycled, dispose of them responsibly. It's also important to ensure your containers meet the program’s criteria—clean, free from contamination, and displaying the eligible drumMUSTER logo.
2. Find a collection point
Bega Valley Shire has three permanent sites for collection, located:
3. Drop off your containers
On the day of collection, bring your prepared containers to your local drumMUSTER collection site. When you arrive, collection staff will inspect the containers to ensure they meet the cleanliness standards. Once accepted, your containers will be counted and recorded for recycling.
4. Containers are recycled
After drop-off, your containers are transported to recycling facilities where they are processed into useful products like plastic pipes, fence posts, and even new chemical drums. By recycling through drumMUSTER, you're helping conserve resources and reduce the need for new raw materials.
5. Repeat and spread the word
Sustainable farming is an ongoing effort, so continue to triple rinse and recycle your containers. Encourage others in your community to do the same, helping to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural waste.
For further information visit drumMUSTER