Prepare your drums for recycling
Five simple steps to prepare your drums for recycling
Properly rinsing your chemical drums ensures they are safe for recycling and meet drumMUSTER’s collection standards. By following these simple steps, you can reduce risks on your farm, protect the environment, meet Quality Assurance Program requirements, and ensure your drums are accepted at drumMUSTER collection sites.
Step 1: Rinse immediately
After using your chemical drum, rinse it with clean water right away.
Fill the drum to about 20–25% capacity with clean water, secure the cap, and shake or roll for at least 30 seconds so the rinse water coats all internal surfaces.
If using a chemical rinsing bin, hold the drum on the spigot until the water runs clear.
If pressure rinsing, continue until all residue is gone.
Step 2: Return rinse water to the spray tank
Pour the rinsate into a spray tank or apply it to a paddock according to the product label, then allow the drum to drain for 30 seconds.
Repeat the rinsing and draining process two more times for a total of three rinses.
If residue remains, continue rinsing until the drum is completely clean.
Step 3: Remove lids and clean outside
Remove all lids and metal handles from buckets, as they cannot be recycled through drumMUSTER.
Clean the outside of the drum. Any spills or dried chemical must be washed off. A drum must be free of chemical both inside and out before it can be accepted.
Once the drum is clean, it should be turned upside down and allowed to drain and dry completely.
Step 4: Store drums correctly
Store your drums in clean, dry place — away from mud, weeds, dust, or anything else that could contaminate it again.
Even a properly cleaned drum can be rejected if it gets contaminated during storage.
Step 5: Deliver to a collection site
Take your clean, dry drums—without caps or closures—to your nearest drumMUSTER collection site for recycling.
To find a collection site near you, visit the ‘Collection site’ website.
Watch the video
Download the flyer
Remember: Only clean, residue-free drums will be accepted for recycling!
Acceptable drums
Unacceptable drums
