drumMUSTER: Leading the way in sustainability since 1999
Welcome to the next chapter of sustainability with drumMUSTER
For over 20 years, Agsafe's drumMUSTER program has been a cornerstone of responsible agricultural waste management. Farmers and growers across Australia have relied on drumMUSTER to safely collect and recycle their used chemical drums, ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.
The origins of drumMUSTER
Established in 1999, drumMUSTER was created to address the growing need for a structured, safe, and environmentally friendly solution to dispose of empty agricultural and veterinary chemical containers. The program has since flourished, collecting and recycling over 42 million containers to date. This is equivalent to diverting 43,000 tonnes from landfill. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our agricultural community and their commitment to sustainable practices.
Continuing the tradition of excellence
We are excited to announce a new chapter in the drumMUSTER story. While the core program remains unchanged, we are expanding our recycling capabilities with the help of Pact Group, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to close the loop on chemical container recycling.
Introducing closed-loop recycling
In an Australian first, drumMUSTER, in collaboration with Pact Group, is now recycling used chemical drums into new ones. Pact has started manufacturing plastic agricultural chemical drums with up to 30% recycled material derived from used containers collected through drumMUSTER, creating a circular solution for millions of plastic agricultural chemical containers. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also conserves resources by creating a sustainable cycle of use and reuse.
Recycling agricultural chemical containers requires specialised facilities and stringent cleaning and processing standards to ensure safe and effective recycling. This initiative supports the Australian Government’s policy to transition toward a circular economy, ahead of any regulatory requirement.
Pact aims to collect, recycle and remake nearly a million plastic agricultural chemical drums each year using material derived from drumMUSTER, creating a circular solution for plastic agricultural chemical containers.
.
What this means for the agricultural industry
Each year, drumMUSTER diverts around two million drums from landfill, recycling them into wheelie bins, irrigation pipes, bollards, and other industrial products. The evolution of drumMUSTER into a closed-loop recycling program, where used chemical drums are recycled into new ones, offers two key benefits for the agricultural industry.
Enhanced sustainability
By reusing materials, the demand for virgin resources is reduced, lowering the environmental footprint of chemical containers. This closed-loop system ensures that the plastic from old drums is continuously repurposed, creating a sustainable cycle of use and reuse.
Strengthened product stewardship
This initiative reinforces the agricultural sector's commitment to sustainable practices, promoting a positive image of the industry to the wider community. By participating in closed-loop recycling, the industry showcases its dedication to responsible resource management and environmental conservation.
Watch the video
We are excited to unveil a promotional video, showcasing how drumMUSTER, in partnership with Pact Group, is transforming used chemical drums into new ones. This video features insights from key leaders who brought this initiative to life, highlighting the advanced recycling process and its significant impact on sustainability in the agricultural industry. Hear from farmers and end users about the benefits of this closed-loop system and how it enhances product stewardship.
Watch now to see how we are making a positive difference in agricultural waste management.
Chemical drums made from recycled materials through the drumMUSTER program can be recycled again through the same program. Just like original drums, these recycled containers meet all necessary standards and can be returned to drumMUSTER collection points, ensuring a continuous cycle of sustainability and resource conservation. Look for the eligible drumMUSTER drum logo on your containers to confirm they can be recycled through the program.
We need your continued support
The drumMUSTER program will continue to operate as it has for the past two decades, with no changes to the collection and recycling process you trust. We are simply adding a new recycling process that enhances the program's environmental benefits.
We ask that you continue supporting drumMUSTER as we pave the way for a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our environment and ensure that the Australian agricultural industry thrives for generations to come.
There are more than 830 collection sites across Australia, spanning every state and territory. To find your nearest drumMUSTER site, please click here.
Contact us
At drumMUSTER, we're here to help you with all your agricultural chemical drum recycling needs. Whether you have questions about our program, need assistance with container drop-off, or want to learn more about our new recycling partnership, our team is ready to assist you.
Please complete the form and someone from our team will be in contact.
Proudly supporting Australian agriculture since 1999.
