Trash: Burn Barrels
Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:30 pm
Originally posted by BroncoBill at FluWiki
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Many years ago in California, burn barrels were legal in residential backyards. My dad just got an old steel 55-gallon drum that was closed on one end. He cut 4 holes about 2×2 inches in size around the bottom edge, then he set it up on top of several flat fire bricks. To keep flaming debris from flying out, he got some half-inch chicken wire and cut it to fit over the top, overlapping the edges about 2-3 inches.
I would imagine you could find used drums at mechanics garages, service stations, etc., but make sure they weren’t used for motor oil storage. And make sure they’re steel…take a magnet with you. If they are anything but steel, the magnet won’t stick.
(Okieman)
A caution if you use a burn barrel that you have to cut the top off: Check to see what the barrel once contained, and make sure it was not some sort of flammable solvent (or something similar) that could be an explosion hazard. If you use a barrel that once held something flammable, fill it up with water such that there is no air space left. Then you can use a cold chisel to cut the top off and cut holes along the bottom. If you can, buy one that you do not have to chisel off the top even if it costs more.
In urban areas, it will be best to rinse out all food stuff containers (as long as running water continues) and crush them. Double bag the containers and store in the garage, attic, etc. until trash pickup resumes.
(Janet)
In my stockpiling, I am only purchasing true paper plates and cups. No plastic. In this way, it can be burned.
(Nearly Ready)
We've used a burn barrel for years out on the country. I like a big 55 gallon drum, but a 35 gal. galvanized trash can also works fine. Just be sure you don't burn under overhanging tree limbs or eaves. Make sure to be fire safe. Empty ashes only if 100% cold. Bury ashes or work into earth. No problem.