A legacy of stewardship and sustainability

Agsafe's history of success is built on the unwavering support and commitment of the Australian agriculture community. Through the collective efforts of farmers, growers, and industry members, Agsafe's programs have thrived, driving positive change in sustainability and safety within the sector. Scroll down to explore our journey and see how we've grown alongside the industry.

1993

The founding of Agsafe

Agsafe was established in 1993 as an industry-led, non-profit organisation by the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Association (now CropLife Australia). The organisation was formed out of a commitment to product stewardship and the safe transport, storage, and handling of agricultural and veterinary (AgVet) chemicals. From the beginning, Agsafe’s goal has been to implement industry-leading product stewardship programs, promoting safety and best practices in the agricultural sector.

A dark blue outline of a light bulb with a rocket launching inside, symbolising innovation and growth

Launch of Member Services

In the same year, Agsafe launched its Member Services program. This initiative provided vital support to members, including AgVet chemical retailers, manufacturers, and logistics providers across Australia. Through this service, Agsafe has ensured industry-wide compliance with safety standards and regulations, becoming a trusted resource for the agricultural community.

1999

The drumMUSTER logo with a green circular icon of arrows pointing inward and the word "drumMUSTER" in bold

Introduction of drumMUSTER

In 1999, Agsafe introduced the drumMUSTER program, a landmark initiative aimed at collecting and recycling empty AgVet containers. Prior to drumMUSTER, farmers had few options for responsibly disposing of chemical containers, often resorting to environmentally harmful practices like burning, burying, or dumping. The introduction of drumMUSTER provided a much-needed solution, reducing waste and encouraging sustainable practices within agriculture.

A dark blue outline of a chemical container or jerry can, symbolising chemical safety or handling

First drumMUSTER collection

The first drumMUSTER collection was held in May 1999 in Gunnedah, NSW. During this inaugural event, 5,500 containers were dropped off by local farmers and growers for recycling. This marked the beginning of what would become one of Australia’s most successful agricultural recycling programs.

A dark blue outline of the state of Victoria, symbolising the region or activities related to Victoria

Expansion to Victoria

Following the initial success in NSW, drumMUSTER was launched in Victoria in October 1999, marking the first step in expanding the program nationwide. This milestone reflected the growing awareness and participation of farmers in environmentally responsible disposal methods.

2000

A dark blue outline of a birthday or anniversary cake with a number one-shaped candle on top, symbolising a celebration or milestone

One year of drumMUSTER

By February 2000, just one year after its launch, the drumMUSTER program had signed up 129 councils to participate. This milestone demonstrated the program's rapid adoption and widespread recognition of the importance of recycling chemical containers within the agricultural industry.

A dark blue outline of the state of Tasmania, symbolising the region or activities related to Tasmania

Launch in Tasmania

In June 2000, drumMUSTER expanded further with its launch in Tasmania. This was a significant step in making the program accessible to farmers and growers across more regions, reinforcing the commitment to a national approach to AgVet container recycling.

A dark blue outline of the Northern Territory, symbolising the region or activities related to the Northern Territory

First collections in Northern Territory

July 2000 marked the first drumMUSTER collections in the Northern Territory, continuing the program’s national expansion. With this milestone, drumMUSTER had officially reached every state and territory, offering a recycling solution to farmers and growers across Australia.

A dark blue outline of two hands shaking, symbolising partnership, agreement, or collaboration

Manufacturer participation

By November 2000, 28 chemical manufacturers had signed up with drumMUSTER, underscoring the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and the program’s success in creating a collaborative approach between manufacturers and farmers/growers for safe container disposal.

2001

A dark blue outline of a chemical container with "3M" inside, symbolising the collection of one million drums

1 million drums collected

In June 2001, drumMUSTER reached an important milestone by collecting and recycling 1 million chemical containers. This achievement highlighted the program’s growing impact on reducing environmental waste within the agricultural sector.

2002

A dark blue outline of a chemical container with "3M" inside, symbolising the collection of three million drums

3 million drums collected

By November 2002, drumMUSTER had collected and recycled 3 million chemical containers, further establishing the program as a key player in promoting sustainability in agriculture. The rapid growth of the program showcased the increasing awareness and participation from farmers and stakeholders.

2003

The ChemClear logo with green text "Chem" and outlined text "Clear," surrounded by two green arrows forming a circular motion

ChemClear begins

To complement the success of drumMUSTER, Agsafe launched ChemClear in 2003, a program designed to provide a safe and environmentally sound disposal method for unwanted or obsolete AgVet chemicals. ChemClear has played a critical role in reducing chemical hazards and ensuring responsible chemical management.

2007

A dark blue outline of three people standing together, symbolising a team or group collaboration

Establishment of the Agsafe Board

In 2007, Agsafe formalised its leadership structures by establishing the Agsafe Board. The board has been instrumental in overseeing the organisation’s stewardship programs, including drumMUSTER and ChemClear, and guiding their growth.

A dark blue outline of a chemical container with "20M" inside, symbolising the collection of ten million drums

10 million drums collected

In August 2007, drumMUSTER reached the remarkable milestone of 10 million containers collected and recycled. This achievement solidified the program’s legacy as a nationwide leader in agricultural recycling and waste management.

2012

A dark blue outline of a chemical container with "20M" inside, symbolising the collection of twenty million drums

20 million drums collected

By September 2012, the drumMUSTER program had collected and recycled 20 million chemical containers. This milestone reflected over a decade of commitment to environmental stewardship and waste reduction in Australian agriculture.

2019

A dark blue outline of a computer monitor displaying a video play button and a progress bar, symbolising video content

Launch of AgBytes

In 2019, Agsafe launched AgBytes, concise educational resources designed to provide quick, relevant insights into agricultural safety, chemical management, and environmental sustainability. These content pieces aim to inform and guide farmers, industry stakeholders, and other audiences on best practices for handling agricultural chemicals, waste disposal, and safe farm operations. AgBytes typically cover topics like chemical safety, legislation, and proper disposal methods, helping Agsafe promote responsible agricultural practices across the sector.

2021

Online store launch

In 2021, Agsafe launched its online store, providing members with easy access to safety materials, training resources, and compliance products to support the safe handling, transport, storage and disposal of AgVet chemicals.

2022

A dark blue outline of a person presenting in front of a screen to a group of three people, symbolising training or education

AgVet Chemical Masterclass

In November 2022, Agsafe introduced the AgVet Chemical Masterclass, an advanced training initiative designed to improve industry expertise on AgVet chemical safety, regulatory compliance, and best practices.

2024

A dark blue outline of a chemical container with a recycling symbol inside, representing recycling efforts or sustainability

Evolution of drumMUSTER

In 2024, drumMUSTER evolved to further its sustainability impact by recycling collected chemical drums back into new chemical drums, enhancing the circular economy within the agricultural sector.

New look for Agsafe

Agsafe underwent a rebrand, reflecting its evolution and ongoing commitment to advancing safety and sustainability in the agricultural sector. The refreshed brand underscores Agsafe's leadership in product stewardship and environmental responsibility across Australia

2025

Launch of bagMUSTER

At the start of 2025, Agsafe launched bagMUSTER, an industry-led, not-for-profit program dedicated to tackling single-use plastic bag waste in Australian agriculture. bagMUSTER provides a structured and sustainable approach to collecting and recycling agricultural plastic bags, specifically single-use polypropylene (PP) bags commonly used for fertilisers, seeds, grain, stock feed, and pet food. Importantly, 100% of the collected bags are responsibly recycled within Australia.