A focus on increasing drum returns from major sugar growing areas in Queensland reaped valuable rewards for the industry at the end of the crushing season in 2013.
A joint promotion run by drumMUSTER and CANEGROWERS Australia in the lead up to summer 2013-14 resulted in a significant surge in the number of drums returned for recycling by cane farmers.
More than 880 growers delivered over 55,500 empty agvet chemical containers to various collection sites.
With the 2014-15 summer fast approaching, increased participation continues to be drumMUSTER’s principal goal.
“It would be great if every canegrower in Queensland visited a collection site at least once a year,” said Mr Hoey, drumMUSTER Regional Consultant for Queensland.
“We saw a fantastic result at the end of last season, so the challenge ahead is to build on this and encourage every grower to choose drumMUSTER as their first choice for empty drum disposal – it’s convenient and free for eligible containers.”
Drums lying around farms reduce the visual amenity, are a potential vermin habitat, and can be a major problem during cyclone season.
drumMUSTER collection sites are spread across the state, with the majority receiving drums without the need for an appointment. A receipt is issued on delivery which is proof of participation for industry quality assurance schemes.
All containers presented at the collection must meet the program’s cleanliness standards. Containers must be free of any chemical residue to ensure the safety of handlers.
“Now is the perfect time to act. With the support of growers across the state, I’m sure we can surpass last year’s figures,” said Mr Hoey. “Please encourage your neighbours and local community to support the program.”
drumMUSTER plays an integral role in the industry-developed and driven SmartCane Best Management Practice (BMP) Program, giving growers the opportunity to dispose of their plastic containers in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.
“Growth in the use of drumMUSTER has been impressive this year so we have set a target to double our industry’s use of this important service,” said Paul Schembri, Chairman of CANEGROWERS Queensland.
“Growers are safe in the knowledge that drumMUSTER is supported by the Smartcane BMP program.”
As well as utilising drumMUSTER, growers are urged to register any unwanted chemicals through the ChemClear program. A collection is scheduled for Queensland in June 2015.
drumMUSTER National Program Manager Allan McGann said chemical users should take advantage of both programs to satisfy their QA auditors.
“Using programs like drumMUSTER and ChemClear not only shows you’re meeting the requirements of QA programs, but you’re also preventing waste from ending up in the wrong place,” he said.
For further information on drumMUSTER or ChemClear, call (02) 6230 4799.