Australia’s agvet chemical container recycling program drumMUSTER is calling on farmers in North East Victoria to clean up their properties of empty drums in the lead-up to bushfire season.
drumMUSTER National Program Manager Allan McGann said stockpiles of empty containers caught in a blaze could cause potential hazards for firefighters.
“Not only will you be clearing your properties of unsightly containers, you can also avoid having to deal with them during a potential crisis,” he said.
drumMUSTER also helps support local fire service volunteer groups who collect and inspect drums for their region.
Groups like Maindample CFA can afford new gear and equipment for the team thanks to collecting drums through drumMUSTER.
drumMUSTER Consultant John Knight said for each container that farmers deliver, the CFA are one step closer to buying lifesaving equipment.
“The Maindample CFA collection has become a vital source of funding for the volunteer firefighters. For example, 3000 drums converts to $750 for the CFA,” he said.
Mr McGann said community groups, fire volunteers and sporting groups all benefit from promoting the program in their region.
“These groups are rewarded for their efforts and are able to make their communities a better place,” he said.
Whether you have one drum or 100 drums, take them to a collection site and join the growing band of farmers who are being proactive with farm waste recycling and supporting local community groups.
Mr McGann said, “The North East Waste and Resource Recovery group has collected an astounding 105,000 containers, but I’m sure there are many more drums in the region waiting to be collected.”
“For small communities, the dollars raised are vital. I encourage all farmers to contact their local community group or council to dispose of their empty containers.”
Since 1999, drumMUSTER has collected more than 24 million drums across Australia. That represents more than 29,000 tonnes of waste avoiding landfill and being recycled into new and useful things, like plastic cable covers, wheelie bins, road signs and bollards.
For further information on the drumMUSTER program, call 1800 008 707.
Agvet chemical users can also register their unwanted and out-of-date chemicals with ChemClear for collection. Once they register, waste holders should continue to store their chemicals safely until the program schedules a collection in their region. To register, call 1800 088 182 or log on to www.chemclear.com.au.