Drummuster - What is it & What does it Involve

drumMUSTER is the national program, funded by farmers, for collection and recycling of empty, cleaned farm chemical containers. Chemical users pay a 4c per litre or kilogram levy on eligible products sold in non-returnable containers. Containers are identified by a logo (sticker, label or embossed) which shows they are eligible for recycling through drumMUSTER. A copy of the logo is available under the Environmental Services Heading then Drummuster Information.

Farmers are given a receipt when delivering containers; these receipts are accepted by quality assurance programs and environmental management systems as evidence of responsible waste disposal. All containers accepted by drumMUSTER are recycled into products such as wheelie bins, roadside posts, irrigation pipes, vineyard posts and outdoor furniture.

Some Frequently Asked Questions are listed:

Is there a charge?

No, the drumMUSTER logo on the drum shows that levy has been paid when the chemical was purchased (4c a litre or kg), and this levy covers the costs of the recycling program.

Does drumMUSTER accept both plastic and metal drums?

Yes,providing the drumMUSTER logo is on the drum and the drum has no chemical residue.

Why do drums need to be free from chemical residue?

All containers are inspected by a trained inspector, which means that cleanliness standards required by the transport and recycling industries are maintained.

Do I have to take my drums to a collection centre in my own shire?

No, drumMUSTER is a national program so you can take your drums to any collection centre.

Will I get a receipt if I deliver drums to a drumMUSTER collection centre?

Yes, farmers are given a receipt when delivering containers. These receipts are accepted by quality assurance programs and environmental management systems as evidence of responsible waste disposal.

I have a pile of drums behind the shed with dirt on them; can I take them to a drumMUSTER collection centre?

Yes, dirt on drums is acceptable (but they still must be free of chemical residue).

I have some old metal drums which are rusty - can I take them to a drumMUSTER collection centre?

Yes, rust is acceptable; but drums which are completely rusted out are not recyclable so are not accepted.

I have some plastic drums which are stained - its not a chemical residue but a stain from the dye in the chemical - is this alright?

Yes, dye stains are acceptable.

If I flatten drums, then I can fit more onto the truck - is this alright?

No, if drums are flattened then they cannot be inspected. If the attendant at the drumMUSTER collection centre cannot inspect a drum to make sure that there is no chemical residue, then you will be asked to take the drum away - it cannot be left at the drumMUSTER collection centre.

There is a little bit of chemical left in the threads around the neck of the drum - is this alright?

No, drums should be completely free of chemical residue, inside and out. A brush can be used to get rid of chemicals stuck in necks and threads.

The drums stored behind my shed have some rain water in them - is this OK?

No, drums should be dry so that there is no doubt that they are free from chemical residue. If you are storing drums to take into a collection centre in one load, then make sure that they are stacked on their sides, with the neck uppermost, so that rainwater cant get in.

Whats the best way to clean chemical drums?

The best way to make sure that containers are completely free of chemical residue is to pressure or triple rinse them immediately the drum is emptied. This also means that you use all of the chemicals that you have paid for.

I dont always use a whole drum at once - how can I clean drums with chemical dried and stuck inside?

These suggestions may help to get rid of old chemical residue:

• If there is some usable chemical left in the drum: tip the drum upside down and let the bit of chemical thats left in the drum work back into the solution; rinse 3 times immediately the drum is emptied.
• If there is no usable chemical left in the drum: fill the drum to the brim with water and leave soaking overnight or for a couple of days; use the rinsate in spray tank; rinse 3 times immediately the drum is emptied.

Lids need to be left off so that the drums can dry; what can I do with the lids?

Lids will be accepted at the collection centre if they are clean. They are a different plastic from drums so must go through a different recycling process.

Why do metal drums need to be punctured?

Metal drums need to be punctured because the design of the neck area makes it very difficult to remove all the product and rinse water. Puncturing metal drums allows any remaining rinse water to escape. It also assists in drying the inside and reduces the potential for flammable or combustible vapours and odours to remain in the drum.

Whats the best way to puncture metal drums?

Metal drums should be punctured from the inside out by putting the piercing rod through the neck of the drum and out through the base. This ensures that the "frill" around the puncture hole opens outwards and allows any remaining rinse water to escape.

What happens to the drums?

Containers collected by drumMUSTER are recycled into products such as drainage and irrigation pipes, grape posts, tomato stakes, outdoor furniture and wheelie bins.

Is the program working?

Yes! Over 6-million drums have been collected since 1999 and over 9-thousand tonnes of material has been recycled rather than sent to landfill or disposed of illegally, such as by burning or burying on-farm.

What could happen if drums are burnt or buried on-farm?

In the first instance, anyone caught burning or burying unclean containers can be issued with a Pollution Abatement Notice (cost $400) which requires them to rectify any problems caused by their actions. Subsequent offences can generate $5,000 fines and if caught again, they can be taken to court under provisions of the Environment Protection Act and if convicted fined from $240,000 to $500,000.

Information can be found on the following weblink.

Relevant sections to look at:

Part 3

Division 5

Section 27A (1) a, b, and c

Section 27A (2) a, and b

Section 31A (pollution abatement notices)

Section 31B

Part 7

Section 45 (Land)

Section 39 (Water)

Section 41(Air)

Can I take drums with chemicals in them to a drumMUSTER collection centre?

No - drumMUSTER is for empty, clean farm chemical containers only. If you have old chemicals on your farm that you dont want to use, phone ChemClear on 1800 008 182 or 02 6230 4799 for assistance in getting rid of the chemicals - or visit their website by clicking the link below.

Further information, please contact:

Jo Pocklington

drumMUSTER Regional Consultant Western Victoria

Phone 03 5593 9277

Further details on Drummuster Programms within the Wakool Shire can be found under the Environmental Services Heading, then subheading Drummuster.

© 2008 Wakool Shire Council
This page: http://www.wakool.local-e.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/25943.html