DrumMUSTER is the national program for the collection and recycling of empty, cleaned, non-returnable rigid metal and plastic containers used in the packaging of crop protection and animal health products. It aims to provide an environmentally responsible way of collecting and disposing eligible rigid and plastic containers.

DrumMUSTER's belief is that the responsible use of chemicals, and waste management initiatives means a cleaner environment for the community as a whole and adds to Australia's clean and green image.

Collection Sites

Ralston Road and Pemberton transfer station are the only two sites in the Shire of Manjimup that have facilities to receive and store drums deposited under the drumMUSTER program. Both sites receive drums throughout the year, however an appointment is necessary to deposit large quantities of drums. Please contact the attendants at the Ralston Road site on 9777 2332 or at the Pemberton transfer station on 0429 004 767

Cleanliness Standards

Inspection of containers at drumMUSTER collection points is necessary to ensure that containers can be safely re-used, recycled or disposed of at authorised landfills. There must be no product residue on the inside or the outside of the container, including the thread and cap. Visible residues could be powder, flake, coloured/dark fluid or clear liquid.

The container must have been pressure rinsed, triple rinsed or fully cleaned with a mechanical rinsing device.

The container must have been cleaned and left to dry with the cap off after rinsing. The presence of any liquid in the container will result in rejection at a drumMUSTER collection.

A signed statement by the farmer or applicator provides evidence that the container has been rinsed (but this must be backed up by other evidence of rinsing).
The cap and the threads of the container opening must be free of residues. The container should have the labels on to provide inspectors with positive identification of the material being handled.
If a container is rejected the farmer or applicator should rinse the container back at the farm and use the rinsate to make up an application of the same chemical according to label recommendations.

Amnesty offered for drumMUSTER program

Demand from farmers, local government and sectors of the industry have led to a widening of the scope for drumMUSTER container eligibility.

The ACCC recently approved the application of the drumMUSTER levy to non-hazardous product containers. Participating manufacturers may now implement this levy on a voluntary basis.

Containers now eligible for disposal under the drumMUSTER-widened scope include those that have held surfactants, dairy chemicals, liquid fertilisers and other non-hazardous farm chemicals.

Containers currently on the farm that have become eligible for collection under the drumMUSTER widened scope will not yet carry the eligible container logo.

To provide an opportunity for farm chemical users to dispose of these containers and clean up their farms, drumMUSTER will now accept clean, empty containers that were not previously eligible, under an amnesty period for the duration of 2003.

drumMUSTER is currently working with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that the eligible container logo will be included on all recently eligible products that fall within the widened scope. From January 2004, only containers carrying the eligible container logo will be collected under the drumMUSTER program.

All containers brought to a drumMUSTER collection should be cleaned to meet Agsafe cleanliness standards as defined in the 'Agsafe Standard for Effective Rinsing of Farm Chemical Containers' brochure.

Agricultural and veterinary chemical users, pest control operators, amenity horticulturists, and foresters can now expect to be able to dispose of all their empty containers (with the exception of oil, petroleum and pool chlorine) through the drumMUSTER program.

Further information on the change to the eligibility criteria and the amnesty period can be provided by contacting the drumMUSTER National Office on (02) 6230 6712. Contact your local Council for upcoming drumMUSTER collection information.
Last updated: 7/2/2003

For further information please contact Council's Waste Management Officer or visit the drumMUSTER web site www.drumMuster.com.au