Alexei Volkov
Plastic barrels are useful for a variety of purposes, including rainwater collection, composting, and gardening. They can also be used for brewing homemade beer or as a water source for farm animals. While they typically cost between $45 and $100, there are several ways to obtain them for free. Craigslist, hardware stores, landfills, car washes, and car dealerships are all good places to look. Waste collection companies and beverage manufacturers are also worth contacting, as they often dispose of these drums. People on Facebook Marketplace and spray foam insulation professionals may also be able to help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Size | 55 gallons |
| Uses | Rainwater harvesting, composting, planting, brewing beer, storing food |
| Places to find them | Craigslist, hardware stores, landfills, car washes, waste collection companies, beverage manufacturers, Facebook Marketplace, spray foam insulation professionals, BlueBarrel, food manufacturers, local suppliers |
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What You'll Learn
Craigslist, hardware stores, landfills, and car washes
Craigslist is a great place to find almost anything for free. There is a “free” section on Craigslist where you can search for 55-gallon plastic barrels, or you can make a post requesting them. You can also try to sell your barrel on Craigslist if you no longer need it.
Hardware stores often receive products in 55-gallon plastic barrels and may be willing to give you empty ones for free. You can ask politely and even request that they notify you or save barrels for you. Companies that perform spray-foam insulation often keep their product in barrels, and while there may be chemical residue, these can be washed out and used for food storage.
Landfills are another great place to look for free 55-gallon drums. Waste collection companies and beverage manufacturers often dispose of these drums, so you can easily get one from them.
Car washes are also good places to look for free plastic barrels. These may have previously contained soap or conditioner, which can be washed out and used for other purposes.
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Food manufacturers and waste collection companies
Waste collection companies are another potential source of free plastic barrels. These companies often transport waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, in 55-gallon plastic drums. While this option may provide free barrels, it is important to exercise caution when acquiring barrels from waste collection companies. If you plan to use the barrels for food products, plants, or any other purpose involving human contact, it is crucial to ensure that the barrels have not been used for human waste or hazardous materials.
In addition to food manufacturers and waste collection companies, there are several other places where you can find free or low-cost plastic barrels. These include car washes, hardware stores, homebrew supply stores, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace. When acquiring barrels from any source, it is always important to ask about their previous usage and ensure they are properly cleaned and safe for your intended purpose.
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BlueBarrel: recycled plastic rain barrels
BlueBarrel Systems provides recycled plastic rain barrels to customers across the USA. BlueBarrel partners with food manufacturers and food-industry barrel suppliers across the country to provide recycled plastic barrels from the customer's local region. The company offers an interactive online store where customers can customise their RainKit and select their preferred barrel pickup location.
BlueBarrel's distributed barrel supplier network helps eliminate the cost of manufacturing, storing, and shipping bulky drums, making the product more affordable for the customer and reducing the company's carbon footprint. BlueBarrel also provides user-friendly mail-order DIY RainKits, which include all the parts required to convert used food-grade drums into a multi-barrel rain collection system.
Rainwater harvesting is an essential component of an eco-friendly garden, helping to conserve water in dry climates and manage its abundant overflow in wet climates. By collecting rainwater in a recycled plastic barrel, customers can contribute to sustainable water management and reduce water pollution caused by stormwater runoff.
BlueBarrel's recycled plastic barrels are sourced from food manufacturers, where food products are shipped worldwide in 55-gallon blue food-grade poly-drums. These drums become available for upcycling once they have served their initial purpose in the food manufacturing process. Customers can obtain these recycled drums locally and use them for various purposes, such as creating food, brewing homemade beer, or planting.
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Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater barrels are usually made from plastic or wood, and previously used food-grade barrels are ideal. They should not be transparent or translucent, to prevent algae growth, and should be covered to keep children and animals safe. You can find them at local hardware or plumbing supply stores, or online. Some municipalities also distribute rain barrels to residents, so check with your town or city. Websites also offer a large selection of companies, organizations, and government divisions that sell rain barrels. For example, Tank Depot offers a wide selection of plastic rain barrels and rain barrel kits. Some local Solid Waste Management Districts also sell rain barrels, such as in Indiana, USA.
To install a rainwater barrel, you will need a large drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, and a screen grate to keep debris and insects out. Cut the downspout to fit the barrel opening, and attach a hose to the overflow fitting to direct excess water away from the foundation. You may also wish to install a downspout diverter, which allows you to divert water back into your downspout when you do not wish to collect rainwater.
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Using plastic barrels for gardening
Plastic barrels can be used for gardening in most areas, including balconies and patios. They are inexpensive to purchase, last for several years, and can be acquired for free from local distributors of syrup, soda, or car washes.
When using plastic barrels for gardening, it is important to find a barrel that was food-grade in its previous life, as some barrels hold pesticides, herbicides, and other liquids that are not suitable for growing vegetables. Once you have acquired a food-grade barrel, you can follow these steps to prepare it for gardening:
- Drill or poke drainage holes in the bottom of the barrel. Make six to eight holes in a circular pattern to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
- Line the barrel with coarse gravel to keep the soil from falling through the holes.
- Fill the barrel with sterilized potting soil or soilless media. If using garden soil, mix one part soil, one part coarse sand, and one part peat moss.
- Leave at least one inch of space between the top of the soil and the top of the barrel.
- Water the soil thoroughly and add a balanced time-release fertilizer to the soil or a water-soluble fertilizer to the irrigation water.
To create a raised garden bed using a plastic barrel, you will need additional tools and materials, such as a screw gun, saw, tape measure, and lumber. You can follow these steps to build your own raised garden bed:
- Measure the length and width of the barrel.
- Cut and assemble the frame, adding a quarter of an inch to the shorter side pieces to ensure a proper fit.
- Paint the outside of the barrel with non-toxic paint (optional).
- With the barrel lying face down, set the frame over it and push it down flush with the cut edge.
- Flip the barrel over and fasten it to the frame using screws around the interior perimeter.
- Determine a comfortable working height for your garden, considering factors such as your height and the desired level of comfort when working the soil.
- Assemble and attach the legs to the frame by toenailing or screwing them into place.
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Frequently asked questions
Craigslist, hardware stores, landfills, and car washes are the best places to get a free 55-gallon plastic drum.
Waste collection companies and beverage manufacturers often dispose of 55-gallon drums, and you can easily get one from them. You can also try Facebook Marketplace or contact spray foam insulation professionals.
Car dealers or shops, and tire and lube shops get their oil in 55-gallon drums, which they may be willing to give away for free. You can also try making your own rain barrel by connecting multiple smaller plastic barrels together.
Some companies, like Coca-Cola, do not offer used barrels to the public due to liability concerns. It is best to avoid asking these types of companies for free barrels.
There are many uses for a 55-gallon plastic barrel, including creating food, brewing homemade beer, planting trees or gardens, rainwater collection, composting, and more!
