Leading the way in agricultural plastic recycling

bagMUSTER is a pioneering, industry-led product stewardship initiative created to tackle the growing issue of single-use plastic waste in Australian agriculture. Each year, approximately 60,000 tonnes of plastic waste are generated on farms, much of it from single-use polypropylene bags. Without sustainable disposal solutions, this plastic can pollute waterways, harm ecosystems, and degrade soil quality.

Through a network of collection sites, bagMUSTER offers farmers and growers a practical, accessible way to recycle these bags, helping to keep plastic out of the environment. Phase 1 of the program will begin in Western Victoria, with plans to expand across Australia as infrastructure and resources allow, moving us closer to a circular economy within the agricultural sector.

bagMUSTER empowers farmers and growers to take meaningful steps toward sustainability, contributing to a greener, cleaner future for Australian agriculture.

Why bagMUSTER matters

Sustainable practices are essential in agriculture today. bagMUSTER addresses the industry’s responsibility for plastic waste by providing a streamlined recycling solution for single-use polypropylene bags. By participating, farmers, growers, retailers, and manufacturers contribute to cleaner farms, reduced landfill, and alignment with industry best practices, including those required in Quality Assurance (QA) programs.

bagMUSTER not only supports a shift toward a circular economy in agriculture but also helps the sector meet government and industry sustainability targets while maintaining compliance with QA and food safety standards.

Our commitment

Our mission is to establish a nationally sustainable, industry-led product stewardship program that aligns with the Australian Government’s Accredited Product Stewardship Scheme, ISO 9001 Accreditation, and the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs). bagMUSTER will provide transparent program statistics on plastic collection and recycling outcomes to support internal reporting requirements for end-of-life product management.

Additionally, growers delivering eligible bags to bagMUSTER collection sites will receive certificates, aiding compliance with QA programs, food safety standards, and Best Management Programs. For partners, bagMUSTER offers branding and marketing opportunities, allowing participants to showcase their commitment to reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainability in Australian agriculture.

This commitment to transparent reporting and regulatory alignment ensures that participants meet both environmental and operational standards, strengthening their sustainability profiles.