Sponsored content.
SINCE its inception in February 1999, DrumMUSTER has collected an incredible 33.5 million AgVet containers for recycling.
This equates to 38,000 tonnes of waste that would have otherwise ended up as landfill or burnt on properties. That is the same weight as 550 space shuttles.
The responsible use of AgVet chemicals, and waste management initiatives mean a cleaner environment for the community and adds to Australia's clean and green image.
The first collection of containers was on May 25, 1999, in Gunnedah. In the program's first year 534,000 containers were collected. In its second year that number doubled to more than one million containers returned and recycled, and the upward trend continued.
Today, the DrumMUSTER program collects about two million containers each year.
The program is funded by a levy of 4c per litre or kilogram on AgVet chemicals and manufacturers of those chemicals voluntarily participate in the program.
About 80 per cent of all AgVet chemical manufacturers in Australia are involved with the program.
Volunteers from schools and community groups are trained to inspect drums prior to recycling. They can claim for inspection fees from the program, which raises much needed funds.
Containers are recycled into wheelie bins, irrigation and drainage pipe, fence posts, road signs, outdoor furniture and garden stakes.
