Make a Burn Barrel
Revision as of 15:01, 20 September 2022 by Kipkis (Kipkis | contribs) (Text replacement - "[[Category:L" to "[[Category: L")
If you need to dispose of burnable trash, and there isn't anyplace available to take it, you probably need a burn barrel.
Contents
Steps
- To make your very own burn barrel, you first need a barrel. A {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} metal drum works best. These can often be had for free, or very cheaply, from manufacturing facilities, junkyards, etc.
- One end of the barrel, which will become the top, must be open. If your barrel has a cover, remove the cover. If the barrel is a 'tight' drum (both ends are sealed), you will need to open one end. A reciprocating saw works best, but a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade will do. Wear hearing protection, this will be loud!
- Once the top is open, turn the barrel upside down. With a hammer and large punch, drill, or something similar, make holes in the bottom of the barrel. You may wish to make a few holes in the sides of the barrel, in the bottom third of it. Not too many, or your barrel will be weak.
- Using a piece of 'Cut Expanded Metal', heavy screen, or something similar, make a cover to be placed over the barrel. This will keep sparks and cinders to a minimum.
- Some barrel makers like to add a few larger holes around the bottom to act as vents, supplying oxygen to the fire. These are not necessary, but can provide a more complete burn.
- Place your 'burnables' in the barrel, use a long lighter or fireplace match to light, place the cover over the top, and let it burn.
Tips
- Some ashes can be used in compost bins once cool, helping to reduce your impact on the environment.
- Be safe.
- Check with your local authorities (town officials, fire wardens, etc.) to see if a permit is needed to operate a burn barrel.
- Put crumpled newspaper in the bottom of your burn barrel and light the paper through the vent holes in the side instead of reaching down through the top.
Warnings
- Careful when cutting off the top of the barrel, it may have once contained combustible liquids.
- Be sure to not touch the barrel while burning, it will be very hot.
- And be sure to clear weeds or other debris around {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of the barrel.
- Do not burn with the cover removed-cinders and ashes can and will start fires in unwanted places.
- Do not burn plastics, metals, or other materials in your barrel. Not only can it be harmful to the environment, but it can also create quite a mess in your barrel.
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