bagMUSTER is expanding—now’s the time to join the movement

Proposed bagMUSTER locations nationwide.

Australia’s first not-for-profit, industry-led stewardship program dedicated to the collection and recycling of agricultural plastic bags—bagMUSTER—is expanding, and the call to action is clear. Now is the perfect time for suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and importers to join this important initiative and become leaders in agricultural sustainability.

bagMUSTER was launched to tackle one of the agricultural sector’s most pressing environmental challenges: the disposal of soft plastic bags used for fertiliser, seed, grain, stock feed, and other farm inputs. These bags, made primarily from polypropylene (PP), are durable and essential for protecting products—but once empty, they often end up burnt, buried, or dumped, contributing to widespread plastic pollution in rural and farming communities.

With the successful rollout of Phase 1 already underway in western Victoria, bagMUSTER is now preparing for broader implementation across the rest of Victoria and into eastern South Australia. This next stage will significantly expand the program’s footprint, building a comprehensive network of collection points to intercept and recycle these single-use plastic bags before they become waste.

bagMUSTER’s first official sponsor - Colquhoun’s.

Joining this movement is Colquhoun’s, a respected ag-retail business that has proudly stepped up as the first official sponsor of the program. Their participation sends a powerful message of industry leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship.

“BagMUSTER has come at the right time,” says Alicia Garden, General Manager of Agsafe, which operates the program. “It provides a real, scalable solution to a growing waste problem. Importantly, where we expand next will be shaped by the level of interest and sign-up from industry. Even if bagMUSTER isn’t in your area yet, your involvement can help bring it there sooner. The more support we see, the faster we can grow the network nationally.”

The environmental need is undeniable. Each year, Australia’s agriculture sector uses an estimated 60,000 tonnes of soft plastic, yet before bagMUSTER, only around 12% of it was recycled. The rest posed ongoing environmental and compliance risks. At the heart of bagMUSTER is the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR), which ensures that those who place plastic bags into the supply chain also share responsibility for their safe and sustainable end-of-life management.

Agsafe is now inviting organisations across the agricultural supply chain to explore a range of sponsorship and partnership options—from short-term collaborations to long-term involvement. Participating is more than a marketing opportunity; it’s a strategic investment in environmental responsibility, supply chain integrity, and the future of rural Australia.

Follow Colquhoun’s lead. Be part of the solution. Contact Agsafe today to find out how your organisation can help close the loop on agricultural plastic waste and support a circular economy in the regions that need it most.