How to Create a Burn Barrel for Your Home

When it comes to disposing of waste, many people are looking for ways to reduce their costs and minimize their environmental impact. One effective way to do this is by creating a burn barrel on your property. A burn barrel is essentially a steel drum that has been modified to allow you to safely incinerate small amounts of trash, leaves, and other organic materials. In this article, we'll show you how to create your own burn barrel using a 55-gallon drum.

Where to Find a 55-Gallon Drum

Before you can start building your burn barrel, you need to find a suitable steel drum. The good news is that these drums are widely available and can often be obtained for free or at a low cost. Here are some tips on where to look:

* Car washes: Many car washes use 55-gallon drums to store soap and other cleaning supplies.

* Craigslist: You can find listings for old burn barrels or drums on online marketplaces like Craigslist.

* Local businesses: Give your local businesses a call and ask if they have any old 55-gallon drums that they would be willing to give away or sell cheap.

Tips for Selecting the Right Drum

When selecting a drum, make sure it didn't previously hold oil. Soap is often stored in these drums at car washes, so be sure to check the contents before taking one home. You may also need to cut off the top of the drum if it's closed off. Use a metal cutoff wheel to do this safely and effectively.

State Laws and Regulations

Before building your burn barrel, make sure you check your state laws concerning burn barrels. Some areas may require you to have a fire pit if you want to burn something, while others may not allow burn barrels at all. Be sure to research your local regulations before getting started.

Benefits of Having a Burn Barrel

Having a burn barrel on your property can be an essential item, especially if you don't have the space for a bonfire. By incinerating small amounts of trash and leaves, you can reduce your waste disposal costs and minimize your environmental impact. Many Americans already use this method to dispose of their trash, and it's easy to see why.

Creating a burn barrel is a simple and cost-effective way to manage your waste disposal needs. By following these tips and guidelines, you can build your own burn barrel using a 55-gallon drum. Remember to always check your state laws and regulations before getting started, and be sure to find a drum that didn't previously hold oil. With the right materials and some basic know-how, you'll be burning waste like a pro in no time.

Burn barrel