Canegrowers across Queensland have been reminded to clean-up their empty chemical drumMUSTER containers on their farms before the summer season storms begin.
With crushing season almost over, and cyclone season on its way, growers now have the perfect opportunity to limit the potential hazards on the land by recycling their chemical containers.
Last year drumMUSTER collected close to 43,000 eligible and clean containers from major cane growing regions including Cairns, the Cassowary Coast, Mackay and Ingham during the end of season cleanup.
drumMUSTER Queensland Consultant Colin Hoey said since 2010 cane growing area returns have soared, meaning farmers are placing more importance on recycling and the environment.
“We’ve been getting a lot of support from the sugar industry and it’s growing,” Colin said.
“In the last 12 months Queensland has lead the country in the number of drum returns. Now we’re seeing a higher than average return of drums in many shires.”
In the next few weeks Colin will be visiting the north from Mackay to Cairns to generate interest for the pre-cyclone season clean-up.
“I’ll be visiting resellers and canegrower officers to remind them that it’s time to round them up in the lead up to storm season,” Colin said.
“If you returned them last year it’s a great opportunity to do it again before the storm season begins. So keep that momentum going.”
Last year between December and January Queensland saw more than 64,000 drums, or 66 tonnes of material, returned for recycling though drumMUSTER.
Once containers are brought in, they are crushed or shredded and transformed into practical items such as plastic cable covers, wheelie bins and cement reinforcing bar chairs.
drumMUSTER has reminded everyone to make sure drums are residue free with the lids removed before being delivered. Metal drums should be pierced to allow better airflow for drying. There’s no need to pierce plastic containers.
For any further information on the drumMUSTER program, call 1800 008 707 or log on to www.drummuster.com.au. For all local enquiries, get in touch with drumMUSTER’s Colin Hoey on 0428 964 576.
21 November 2012