Australia’s agvet chemical container recycling program drumMUSTER is calling on chemical users around the Mansfield Shire to support the next collection undertaken by Maindample CFA on 2 December 2015.
The future of the program at the Mansfield Works Depot remains in contention due to little support shown in the municipality.
“Over the past couple of years we have had to cut back on the service, only offering the collections twice per year as opposed to quarterly due to lack of uptake,” said Mayor Ray Robinson.
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.
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.
However, Council’s Waste Management Officer Rebecca Kirley advised that if support for the next collection in Mansfield does not increase, then the service will become obsolete.
“We are extremely lucky that we have Maindample CFA volunteers who are willing to donate their time free of charge to administer the drumMUSTER service on Council’s behalf. Unfortunately, if the collection on the 2nd of December is not a success, Maindample CFA has indicated they will no longer be in a position to assist Council.”
The community are being asked to bring in their clean and empty chemical drums to the Mansfield Works Depot from 10am until noon in support of keeping the drumMUSTER service operational.
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 the collection site and join the growing band of farmers who are being proactive with farm waste recycling and supporting local community groups.
“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 upcoming drumMUSTER collection, call (03) 5775 8555 or 0427 346 325 or log on to www.drummuster.com.au.
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.