bagMUSTER is here – Revolutionising agricultural plastic recycling
The agricultural industry is making a monumental stride toward sustainability with the opening of the first bagMUSTER collection sites. This pioneering, not-for-profit, industry-led program addresses plastic waste from single-use woven polypropylene (PP) bags. Spearheaded by CropLife Australia and its not-for-profit subsidiary Agsafe, in collaboration with the Australian Seed Federation, bagMUSTER provides farmers, growers, and the broader agricultural sector with a practical and responsible recycling solution—transforming waste into opportunity.
The program’s first phase is here in Western Victoria, with collection sites now operational in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Farmers and growers can drop off eligible PP bags—such as those used for fertilisers, seeds, grain, stock feed, and pet food—at collection sites in Kyneton, Romsey, and Woodend. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey to reduce agricultural plastic waste.
Only bags purchased after 1 October 2024 from participating retailers are eligible for recycling. To find your nearest collection site and learn more about participating retailers, visit bagMUSTER.org.au.
Agsafe General Manager Alicia Garden shares her perspective on the program’s groundbreaking impact: “bagMUSTER is a game-changer for agricultural sustainability. By recycling 100% of collected bags locally in Victoria, we’re setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in the industry.”
The success of bagMUSTER would not have been possible without the support of its foundational partners, who have committed to driving meaningful change in the agricultural sector.
Retailers: Elders, Muirs, and Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Manufacturers: Koch Fertiliser, DLF Seeds, Gowan, RAGT Australia, Nufarm, Sipcam, Barenburg, Syngenta, and Adama.
These forward-thinking organisations are leading the charge in supporting the program’s mission to provide a sustainable solution for plastic waste management, while recyclers APR Plastics and GT Recycling are transforming PP bags into valuable new products such as bumper bars and planter boxes.
bagMUSTER is more than just a recycling program; it is a vital step towards creating a circular economy in agriculture, where waste is repurposed rather than discarded. The program offers a range of benefits, including:
Environmental impact: Reduces plastic waste, prevents pollution, and protects ecosystems.
Support for QA programs: Participants receive compliance certificates to assist with food safety and Best Management Practice requirements.
Cost-free disposal: There is no fee for dropping off eligible bags at participating collection sites.
Industry alignment: Supports the agricultural sector’s sustainability targets and prepares stakeholders for future regulatory requirements.
David Leitch, bagMUSTER Manager, highlights the program’s broader vision for the industry: “bagMUSTER is a testament to the agricultural industry’s commitment to sustainability. By addressing plastic waste head-on, we’re building a future where farming and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
This is just the beginning for bagMUSTER. The remainder of Phase 1 will see collection sites established across western Victoria. Phase 2 will expand the program to the rest of the state, with plans to roll out nationally as infrastructure becomes available. The program’s growth reflects its mission to create a long-term, impactful solution for plastic waste in agriculture.
Farmers and growers in Western Victoria can now participate in bagMUSTER by visiting participating retailers, purchasing eligible bags, and dropping them off at designated collection sites. For those outside the Phase 1 corridor, stay connected for updates on the program’s expansion.
To learn more about bagMUSTER, find collection sites, or explore participating retailers, visit bagMUSTER.org.au.