Empty drums can go a long way

Across WA, a handful of volunteers help local farmers and chemical users to return their empty chemical drums for collection and recycling through drumMUSTER.

These volunteers, from sporting groups, P and C associations and Lions clubs are rewarded in cash for each drum they collect.

As farmers prepare to return their empty drums for the September campaign, now is the perfect time to use the program to help support your community.

More than 20 groups across the State hold drumMUSTER collections for farmers and other chemical users who are looking to get rid of their empty and clean agvet chemical containers. Where community groups don't provide a service, councils take on the responsibility for local growers and chemical users.

Organisations like the Newdegate Community Development Association have helped raised more than $20,000 for their small Wheatbelt town.

Committee member Roz Lloyd said the very first collection involved sorting through a stockpile of more than 15,000 drums.

"We did an enormous amount of drums when we first started, which included a huge stockpile that immediately brought in $8000 for our group - $5000 of that went to the tennis court resurfacing," she said.

"We could have never done that without the drumMUSTER money.

"The group now takes in about $2000 to $3000 a year just from inspecting drums."

The Newdegate group has also improved their children's playground and erected a shelter for the field days mascot - the Lanz Bulldog tractor.

Contact 1800 008 707 or visit www.drummuster.com.au .