Rain barrels are used to collect rainwater that is later used for irrigation and similar purposes. As you recycle the collected rainwater, you can also recycle rain barrels that are no longer required. While some types of rain barrels can be recycled to create useful objects, other types of rain barrels can only be recycled at a local recycling center. Check how you can do this recycling.
How to recycle/reuse rain barrels
Step 1: You should first check the material that your rain barrel is made up of. If it is a food-grade barrel, then it is usually made of plastic. Otherwise, your rain barrel may also be developed out of a wooden product or reclaimed whiskey barrel.
Step 2: If you have a plastic barrel, then check the label at its bottom that has been placed by SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry). This label should have a mention of its resin content. Note down this number and then give a call to your nearby recycling center. If asked about the resin content, then you should provide this information to the recycling center. Accordingly, they can guide you about the best way to recycle your rain barrel.
Step 3: If you do not have a plastic barrel and it is made of either wood or reclaimed whiskey barrel, then you can give it a new life on your own. You can actually cut and shape it to form new objects that are usable in the house. In case you do not want to recycle and reuse it, then you can always contact your local recycling center to handle this work. You can do online search for your local recycling center details if you are not aware of it. When you call at your nearby recycling center, they can also let you know whether your rain barrels are eligible to be picked up from your home.
Some useful objects that can be derived from an old rain barrel
Landscape mulch:
If your wooden rain barrel is in a really bad shape and condition, it is best to use it as landscape mulch. In this form, it will be of great use for conserving moisture in the ground soil and for reducing the growth of weeds. When landscape mulch will add to the visual appeal of an area, you will find it worth to have recycled your rain barrel in this form.
Animal bedding:
With a few changes in your wooden rain barrel, it can be converted into comfortable bedding for your pet. If you cannot make it on your own, then you can contact a woodworker to do it for you. Sometimes, it may not be very easy to give it a flaky form if the wood is not very soft.
Engineered wooden planks:
Engineered wooden planks can be used for various purposes, but it requires feedstock in the form of small wood pieces. Such wood pieces can come from your old rain barrel. Using a bonding agent, some nice wood planks can be developed.
Summary:
Recycling of old rain barrels is a great idea to go green. While you can contact a recycling center for the recycling of your plastic barrels, you can reuse your wooden barrels to make some beneficial objects on your own.
