The Drummuster program has successfully recycled more than 40 million chemical containers since its inception in 1998.
For years, agricultural, veterinary and pest control professionals had few options for disposing of used chemical containers. Consequently, they were dumped, buried, or burnt.
Today, Agsafe’s chemical product stewardship programs, Drummuster and ChemClear, divert used containers and obsolete chemicals from landfill, re-routing them into recycling and responsible disposal pathways that assist in keeping land and waterways safe. The programs take a whole-of-lifecycle approach to responsible and ethical management of professional chemical products, from the original manufacture though to their use and end-of-life disposal.
Since operations began in 1998, more than 45,000 tonnes of unwanted plastics have been diverted from landfill sites into recycling programs, which equates to over 40 million chemical containers. Over 800 collection sites exist throughout Australia including over 350 local council sites.
Speaking about Drummuster, one of the first product stewardship programs established in Australia, Agsafe’s general manager Dominique Doyle commented, “It is now internationally recognised as a leading example of how the agricultural industry and individual AgVet chemical users and communities can work together to provide a recycling pathway for AgVet chemical containers.”
Once the containers are collected, they are shredded and granulated, processed into pellets, then re-used to make wheelie bins, fencing, pipes, bollards, road markers and public furniture.
Ms Doyle added, “Farm businesses who frequent Drummuster sites are setting a good example of how the simple act of recycling can keep land and waterways cleaner and litter-free, and communities safer. “
As a voluntary program, the Drummuster product stewardship program has adapted to fit the needs of councils, farmers, retailers and manufacturers of the chemicals. We have a flexible approach to collections; this includes engaging with over 100 community organisations to not only maximise collections, but also provide great fundraising opportunities.”
To safely dispose of chemical containers, professional pest managers should rinse them out and drop them into one of the collection points, details of which can be found on the Drummuster website.
