National recycling program drumMUSTER continues to shatter its own records, with two million agvet chemical containers disposed of in the past year.
This is an unprecedented milestone for the container management stewardship program that works in partnership with more than 750 shire councils around Australia. National Program Manager Allan McGann said the achievement was a real testament to the hard work put in by all of its program partners and those involved with the program.
“We are delighted to have collected our two millionth container in the past year,” he said.
“We have been keeping a close eye on our returns tally and to achieve this just a few months after collecting our 18 millionth container since the program started back in 1998 makes it even more satisfying. It’s all down to the dedication of our program users around the nation and the terrific work done by all of our program representatives.”
Since the service first formed in late 1998, it has helped keep well over 23,000 tonnes of potentially-hazardous materials out of landfill and hopes are high that the 20 millionth container milestone will be reached by the end of 2012. Once the plastic or steel containers are brought in, they are transformed into practical items such as wheelie bins, road signs and park benches. Manufacturers nation-wide have also embraced the initiative, with 93 companies now on board with drumMUSTER.
Most pleasing for Mr McGann is the significant improvement in return rates and the increased number of deliveries, providing further proof that the program is providing an essential and valued service to the rural industry.
“Our return rates are looking great, the figures indicate we have collected around 120,000 more containers than at the same time last year. It’s a really pleasing result and it’s extremely fitting that it’s been achieved in this, the Australian Year of the Farmer!”
To find your nearest drumMUSTER collection site, call 1800 008 707.