Is it safe to burn yard waste in a steel drum?

May 7, 2009 by admin · 6 Comments
Filed under: Other - Home & Garden 
drum
moshugp asked:


Also, will the drum withstand the heat? How long will it last when used this way? Should holes be drilled in the drum for proper ventilation?
For answer 3: last time I checked, aerosol cans did not grow in my backyard. By yard waste, I mean clippings, branches, etc.

Comments

6 Responses to “Is it safe to burn yard waste in a steel drum?”
  1. the p says:

    yes you can …..it will rust out but it lasts for a long time…..3 holes shout be in it fo air…if you have a gun shoot the crap outta it and youll have plenty of air

  2. thedarkinall says:

    Yes you can use a steel drum to burn yard waste. Hole will help it too burn better. And I have had them to latst up to about 5 years before they rust out. Just make sure to ancor it down so the wind will not carry it off. And empty the ashes when it becomes about have full. It helps it to burn better. So I have found.

  3. music lover says:

    The drum may withstand the heat, but I don’t think it’s safe. If it’s windy, the fire can easily get out of control. All you need is one ember to fall on a tree, grass, etc. Many years ago, my neighbor was burning trash and it got away from him. Our house almost caught fire because of it. Also, some chemicals in commonly used products can contribute to air pollution, and some things…like aerosol cans, can explode. Other things just won’t burn and you’ll be left with remainders. So all in all, it’s just not a good idea…steel drum or not.

  4. WHISPER says:

    It is safe as long as you keep a constant watch on it. The wind will still carry burning debree that causes fires in dry places or on a roof. It will last quite awhile, I have used them before.. and yes, holes should be drilled for ventilation. If not, the drum may expand and blow.

  5. Frank Pytel says:

    Saftey, like everything else, is relative. Probably, not possibly. More than likely.

    Holes in the bottom are critical.

    My question is, if you are allowed to burn, you are probably not in the city. We have 5 acres. We beg lineman to dump woodchips in our backyard for composting. I’m no tree hugger. Burn it. I don’t care. But it seems that you could probably put it to better use. Unless you just want to smell the leaves burn, which I love.

    God Bless

  6. saaanen says:

    The drums really don’t rust. Rain mixes with the ashes and forms lye, which eats the drum. We used one on our farm, and they’d last about 2 years. Be aware they are really hard to get rid of after they’ve fallen to pieces. Have you considered a compost pile?

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