Q&A for How to Make a Burn Barrel

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Are burn barrels illegal?

wikiHow Staff Editor
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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Burn barrels themselves are not necessarily illegal, but in many areas it is illegal to burn most materials in them. This is because burn barrels produce lots of smoke, which can be toxic if you’re burning materials such as garbage or chemically treated wood. The only thing you can safely burn in a burn barrel is untreated vegetation (such as branches you’ve trimmed from your trees). Local ordinances may prevent you from using burn barrels at all, or there might be strict rules regarding what you can burn in them, how far you must place the barrel from neighboring homes, and so on.

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Question

How do you keep a burn barrel from rusting?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

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Some homesteaders advise laying the barrel down on its side on top of some cinder blocks to keep rain from getting in. You can put a grate over the open end to keep animals out (and material you’re burning in). For additional protection from rain, attach a piece of sheet metal roofing material to the top side of the barrel.

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Question

How long does a burn barrel last?

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If you take good care of it, a burn barrel can last around 5 years. Cover the opening or leave the barrel on its side so rain can’t get in, and dump out any ash when you’re done burning material in the barrel.

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Question

What happened if after a few burns my barrel is crumbling on the bottom?

Community Answer

You may have too many holes, or your holes are too big. Either could have weakend your barrel.

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Question

What is the purpose of the holes in step 3 and step 5?

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Combination of air flow for efficient burning and drainage of any rainwater that may get into the barrel.

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Question

Where do I find a barrel? Do I need a platform?

Robert Winger

Community Answer

If you have a farm supply store such as RuralKing near you, barrels can be purchased in the store. Otherwise, you can find them at factories, farms, workshops etc. A stand can help elevate your burn barrel to allow air to flow up through the bottom holes. It isn't absolutely necessary, but it can be beneficial.

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Question

Where can these drums be purchased in the Atlanta area?

Community Answer

Search for 42- or 55-gallon drums on Craigslist. Works anywhere you live, unless it's really rural.

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Question

Where can I find a spark screen like the one in your pictures?

Community Answer

Heavy duty woven screen at larger hardware stores; comes in square metal pieces.

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Question

Will the barrel blow over in a strong wind?

Community Answer

No. They are heavy enough that this won't happen. I've had mine for 3 years and they've never blown over.

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Question

Should there be another grate or screen in the bottom of my burn barrel?

Community Answer

If your drain holes aren't too large, you should not need a bottom screen. I have had my burn barrel for 6 years, and the sides are corroding faster than the base.

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Question

My burn can came with holes in the lid that fits it. Should I leave the lid on while burning the trash then?

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No, it will trap the smoke and disrupt the oxygen flow, which will cause the material to burn slower.

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