Pest managers looking to dispose of empty chemical containers can use the services offered by the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs.
For the last 16 years, thousands of chemical users have relied on drumMUSTER to regularly dispose of their empty agvet chemical containers. During this time, the program has recycled over 26.3 million drums and continues to be the most successful agvet container recycling program in Australia.
In particular, there are now more opportunities for chemical users in metro regions to dispose of their empty drums, with more organisations offering the drumMUSTER service.
In addition to drumMUSTER, ChemClear provides Australian agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a collection and disposal pathway for their unwanted chemicals. Since entering the agricultural waste sector in 2003, the program has collected more than 500 tonnes of hazardous chemicals.
The drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs are ideally set up to meet state government legislation for container disposal. This includes the disposal of agvet chemicals to protect the environment, public health and workers.
In addition, the programs fulfil chemical user requirements for quality assurance (QA) programs. By utilising the services of each initiative, chemical users are provided with documentation that demonstrates they are meeting their responsibilities for on-farm waste management of chemicals and used containers.
But drumMUSTER and ChemClear are more than just a tick in the box for QA. They represent a firm commitment from local businesses to do the right thing for the safety and reputation of their customers, their community and their staff.
drumMUSTER national program manager Allan McGann said chemical users should take advantage of both programs to satisfy their QA auditors.
“Using programs like drumMUSTER and ChemClear not only show you’re meeting the requirements of QA programs, but you’re also preventing waste from ending up in the wrong place,” he said.
A four cent per L/kg levy is applied to participating manufacturers’ products and paid by the consumer at the point of sale. Participating manufacturers are identified by the inclusion of the eligible drumMUSTER logo on their containers. There are no transfer station or landfill fees when delivering these drums to any collection site. A receipt is issued on delivery, which is proof of participation for industry QA and government schemes.
drumMUSTER operates 796 collection sites across Australia. To find your nearest site, simply enter your postcode and state under ‘Collection locations’ on the drumMUSTER website. A map will appear with the closest site in your area marked.
For further information on the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs, visit the websites.
