Recycling agricultural containers for a cleaner, safer future
drumMUSTER is a national product stewardship program that focuses on the collection and recycling of eligible, empty, and clean agricultural and veterinary (AgVet) chemical containers. Established to promote environmental sustainability, drumMUSTER offers a safe, cost-effective, and responsible recycling solution for these containers—providing benefits to chemical users, the environment, industry, and the broader community.
The program is supported by AgVet chemical manufacturers, key industry stakeholders, member and farming associations, and state and local governments. Since its launch in 1998, drumMUSTER has grown to include more than 830 collection facilities across Australia, making recycling accessible to rural and regional communities nationwide.
To date, drumMUSTER has successfully recycled more than 43 million containers, transforming them into practical products like wheelie bins, road signs, fence posts, bollards, and even new chemical drums. By offering this reliable recycling pathway, drumMUSTER helps reduce waste and supports the responsible management of agricultural and veterinary chemicals across the country.
Key statistics
Since its launch, drumMUSTER has successfully collected more than 43 million used agricultural chemical containers across Australia. Every year, an average of 1.5 million drums are safely disposed of and recycled through our program, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable agricultural sector.
Here's a breakdown of drum collection rates across each state/territory, highlighting the impact of local efforts in driving sustainability in agriculture.
TOTAL: 43,883,546
Figures last updated November 2024.
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
To locate your nearest collection site, visit this page and use the site locator tool. drumMUSTER has a network of collection points across rural and regional Australia. In addition to permanent sites, many local councils and participating businesses host collection days throughout the year, making it easy for you to drop off your containers.
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.
drumMUSTER is your partner in creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for Australian agriculture. Join the thousands of farmers and producers who are making a positive difference by recycling with us.
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