What is a Burn Barrel?
A burn barrel refers to a steel barrel that has been modified for the purpose of burning refuse and other waste materials.
Incorporating ease of use, safety, and effectiveness in disposal, burn barrels function as an efficient means of eliminating flammable materials while also minimizing the amount of material sent to a landfill.
Burn barrels are primarily used in the countryside or remote regions where access to routine waste collection is not available.
With changing rules, however, their use has become more restricted over time, and even in more populated areas with strict regulations concerning their use.
In the past, people living in remote regions used to practice open burning or burying trash. With advancements in society and environmental norms, these practices are no longer considered acceptable.
Burn barrels are more environmentally friendly and safe methods for containing waste that adheres to modern ecological practices.
In order to burn waste, a typical burn barrel is fashioned out of an used 55-gallon drum which has been modified for the purpose of waste containment.
While smaller sized drums serve the purpose, they are difficult to manage and need constant supervision and emptying. Also, smaller drums pose a greater hazard of burning debris escaping the containment area.
For proper burn barrels, if proper procedures are followed to ensure the safety of the user and the surroundings, they act as an efficient and safe tool for disposing of unwanted combustible materials.
Historically, the main primary method for disposing of bolstering waste was open burning. With the increase and the growing knowledge caring about pollution, environmental contaminants regulations have been put into place to restrict and monitor open burning.
In the United States, each state and county has specific procedures that require chains of command to be contacted to obtain permission.
Types of Burn Barrels
Even though a burn barrel seems like a straightforward device used to incinerate unwanted refuse or waste, it must be utilized properly in order for it to be safe and effective.
Simply jamming a burn barrel full of rubbish and setting it on fire will cause many complications. In order to use a burn barrel safely and correctly, there are specific steps that must be taken.
Traditional burn barrels were often considered to be 55-gallon drums, but they have changed into different configurations and designs.
This change has resulted in an increase in the effectiveness and proper application of burn barrels, thus serving a wider range of needs and increasing the effectiveness of burn barrels.
Yard Waste Burn Barrel
A yard waste burn barrel is the best means for disposing of tree trimmings, grass, and wood. Most neighbors and government agencies do not encourage the open burning of yard waste due to safety as well as pollution concerns.
A burn barrel mitigates these risks by containing the fragments that can escape during the controlled burn.
When it comes to burning yard waste in a burn barrel, there are some considerations that need to be taken into account. Start by thinking of what materials are being burned and refrain from plants that are likely to be poisonous or toxic.
If there is any doubt in the safety of a plant, it is better to be overly cautious. Furthermore, the yard waste needs to be completely dry prior to burning, as moist or wet materials create too much smoke.
For convenience and efficiency, yard waste should be shredded into a size that can be placed into the burn barrel. This means that branches, limbs, and clippings must be cut into smaller pieces than the barrel’s width.
The area surrounding the burn barrel must be watered prior to setting the fire to control the level of flames escaping the barrel.
Fires in barrels should be kept to yard waste only; do not include things such as junk mail, other household trash, cartons, or other paper goods. Once the fire dies down, all materials within the barrel should be checked to make sure they have been fully extinguished.
Soak the remains and ensure that all of the embers have been put out in successive layers to guarantee that there are no fire threats left.
Galvanized Garden burn barrel
This type of burn barrel made from trash cans can be purchased at most home improvement and hardware stores. Unlike the classic 55-gallon drum burn barrels, galvanized garden incinerators act as burn pits for yard waste.
These incinerators are capable of burning yard material and paper products and can be used in more populated areas.
Like other burners, galvanized garden incinerators are made from metal but treated with zinc to prevent rust and withstand high temperatures. This treatment enhances the durability of the incinerators.
With that said, it is worth mentioning that the zinc coating releases toxic fumes if the garden incinerator is exposed to very high temperatures continually. Monitoring the temperature ensures safe use.
Functional burn barrel
A functional burn barrel has a classic design and retains the following special characteristics that increases effectiveness and safety:
- A traditional burn barrel features an opening where an igniting agent, for instance, matches, goes into the underside section of the barrel.
- An available burn barrel exposes a lower portion of the barrel that is cut away.
- The opening is stuffed with coals, wood, paper, and other burn materials
The materials contained within the burn barrel are incinerated when the temperature rises.
Most available burn barrels still follow traditional designs, including their effectiveness in handling and burning refuse, other than this heat-related feature.
20 gallon trash can burn barrel
Another variation could be the 20 gallon trash can, which is meant for use in more densely populated areas. This model resembles a standard 20 gallon galvanized trash can, but has several alterations that improve its design.
The 20 gallon trash can is easy to handle and position due to its compact size. Other notable features include legs for stability andmultiple holes punched along the sides for ventilation.
Unlike other burn barrels, this variant has a solid lid to prevent burnt materials from escaping the container. The holes guarantees airflow and allows smoke to vent properly through the container.
Traditionally, burn barrels are crafted out of, or made from, second hand or unused 55 gallon drums. They can be made in a backyard, barn, or warehouse as long as the safety regulations are followed.
About 20 years ago, a burn specialist company developed a portable stainless steel burn barrel. This model is designed to combust materials at an exceptionally high temperature and is easy to install and move.
Vented stainless steel forms the sides of a burn barrel which are pre-cut and welded into the shape of a barrel.
The durability of stainless steel allows it to withstand temperatures of 1600 degrees fahrenheit. Brackets that hold the vented lid in place prevent the lid from detaching during combustion.
From incinerating garden refuse and other household items, to portable fireplaces, stainless steel burn barrels are multifunctional.
Burn Cage
The burn cage is an add-on to the steel burn barrel and it takes on a rectangular shape unlike the previously mentioned barrel. Similarly to the brned barrel, the burn cage is made vented rectangular sheets of stainless steel.
The square shaped lid is also made out of the stainless steel and has holes drilled into it for effective air flow and to keep incinerated materials and ash contained.
Creating I n an easier way to dispose off burrel, I made use of the problems posed by traditional burn barrels and surrounded it with steel. The perforated steel sides have been made more open to aid in burning more efficiently and thorough.
Traditional Burn Barrel
The traditional style of a burn barrel represents the genesis of burn barrel construction. The traditional burn barrel begins with a 55-gallon drum.
Its sides are ventilated by punching holes into it, and then the drum is set on top of cinder blocks, metal, or stone to allow for proper airflow underneath. The burn barrel top can be covered with bent metal sheets, wire netting, punched metal sheets, or even a cage.
Burn barrels can either be a DIY project or purchased at any hardware or home improvement shop. Once set up, they are seldom relocated and as a consequence, tend to fill with ash that needs removal after use.
How Burn Barrels are Made
No matter the type of burn barrel, all have a common characteristic that allows for ventilation, containment of combustibles, and security for the contents inside. Usually, these barrels begin with a basic container where a 55-gallon drum seems to be the most popular choice.
Although the 55-gallon drum seems to be a popular choice of a burn barrel, recent developments have led to designing burn barrels that are built from materials suited to control combustion.
Selecting Barrels
People often use burn barrels made from 55 gallon drums for construction. While most people still use this type, today’s burn barrels are manufactured in multiple sizes ranging from 20 gallons to over 55 gallons.
Obtainning a 55 gallon drum can be done in a variety of ways. The cheapest option is usually buying a used barrel and at times, it can even be free.
A lot of caution has to be taken when purchasing these barrels, as they may have previously held chemicals or fuel which is dangerous.
If you have opted to purchase a used one, make sure to follow cleaning options provided online, as there is a lot of information on cleaning these online as well, and make sure to do your best to remove any hazardous substances.
A better option would be buying from a supplier who specializes in cleaning and refurbishing burn barrels. They tend to use a multi-stage method which makes these barrels safe from danger and ensures cleanliness.
If a burn barrel has been coated with paint or an exterior finish, burn it before initial usage.
Removing the Top
The seals of some 55 gallon drums are welded, so that the top and bottom forms a sealed enclosure. Others have a lid that can be taken off and is held in place with a snap-on clamp.
The lid can be removed using a torch, saw, or barrel opener tool, which functions like a massive can opener. No matter the method of removal, the lid is best preserved for potential future use.
Drilling Holes
The way a burn barrel works is dependent on airflow and the oxygen needed for combustion, which makes ventilation extremely important.
This is particularly evident when dealing with 55 gallon drums, which are designed to allow for efficient sealing to prevent leaks and spills.
In the case of burn barrels, this would need to be changed. For sufficient airflow, it becomes necessary to drill multiple holes around the sides and bottom of the barrel.
The holes for ventilation should be large enough to allow for the inflow of fresh air but small enough to contain any burning materials. It is best for the holes to range from half an inch to three-fourths of an inch in diameter.
Depending on the size and type of the barrel, there should be a total of anywhere between ten to thirty holes, evenly distributed across the bottom and sides of the barrel.
It is important to consider that drilling the holes in the metal will compromise the structure. If the burn barrel is used on a daily basis, there will be a risk of the structure weakening and collapsing entirely.
Because of this, there is an increased risk for loss of safety, which means it is vital to inspect the burn barrels that are used continuously for eight to ten months on a regular basis, and replace them if needed.
Cover
The cover of a burn barrel may not come as a surprise as it serves a very important purpose of ensuring any burning debris does not escape. From making screens to purchasing them ready made, we can all agree there are a number of ways to create a cover.
A vital point of consideration when creating the cover is to make sure that it is secured on top of the barrel, while allowing smoke to escape.
As a rule, the lids of burn barrels pop off the tops of sealed drums and they are recycled afterwards. It is a rare occasion to come across a burn barrel with a lid, so one has to be separately sourced.
Preferred forms are round lids that fit the contour of the burn barrel, as these provide a tighter fit.
Other shapes are possible, but it is key to select a lid that can withstand the force of burning materials inside the barrel. The selection of the lid is a critical safety measure and must be given much thought.
In some areas, specific regulations require the use of grid type cages for burn barrels, particularly in places that are prone to wildfires. These rules often define the size of the grid holes and the thickness of the grid itself.
As with other laws, it is advisable to check local laws on the covering of the burn barrel before making the purchase, as they tend to be offered by local or state bureaucracies.
Burn Barrel Supports
Positioning a burn barrel properly is essential for effective and safe use. An underlying rule is to place the burn barrel on a flat area where there is no possibility of tipping or being off-balance.
It is common practice for users to level the ground by compressing it so as to get rid of any rough surfaces.
A standard method for supporting a burn barrel is to rest it on four cinderblocks set at equal distances apart around the base and positioned to allow adequate airflow into the barrel.
If, however, the burn barrel is placed on the ground, other means may be utilized to ensure that there is adequate airflow under the barrel.
Venting
Burned barrels with vents may rest directly on the ground. These barrels are equipped with square vents sliced in the lower side of the cylindrical body providing airflow.
Alongside the sides of the cylindrical body, holes are cut for the purpose of inserting rods to help support and control the burning materials.
What safety tips should I follow when using a burn barrel?
Burn barrels come with a lot of convenience and functionality. However, like many tools, those add so much ease comes with needing a lot of care. There are a number of important things you need to think about when you choose to use a burn barrel.
Even though it may be easy to dispose of any materials in a burn barrel, care needs to be taken to select the appropriate items. Think about what things are safe to burn and what items must be taken to a different disposal location.
The main consideration needs to be the smoke generated by the material and if it is harmful in any way.
Placement
Setting up a burn barrel is most effective when the proper location is chosen first and foremost. The barrel should be placed on level and solid ground and shouldn’t be close to trees, buildings, vehicles, or any other flammable materials.
While the barrel is in use, any waste that is to be burned should be kept at a safe distance until it is ready to be processed.
When operating a burn barrel, taking precautions for safety and the surrounding environment is crucial. The burn barrel must be placed at least 30 feet away from any structures, equipment, tools, or flammable materials.
The burn barrel must also be placed on a flat, stable surface, free from overhanging structures or strong winds.
A safe area around the burn barrel should be free of flammable herbs, dry vegetation, and twigs. For maximum safety, it is preferable that the area be bare dirt.
Loading
The burn barrel should not be more than halfway full. Larger items should be placed at the bottom, and smaller items should be added afterwards.
The burn barrel must not be filled to capacity or overloaded, as this may result in debris being expelled during the burning process.
Remove all materials that are intended for burning from the vicinity. Materials should not be placed within 30 feet of the burn barrel and contents should be fully burned before additional materials are adde
Lighting
When starting a fire in the burn barrel, make sure to ignite the match on the tiny, combustible material at the top of the waste.
Getting the fire to start may take a few attempts. It is recommended that you use long stemmed lighters like the ones made for barbecues because they enable you to light the material from a distance.
If you are having trouble starting the fire, it is possible that some extra kindling is needed. Regardless, safety experts agree that accelerants such as kerosene, gasoline, or lighter fluid are strongly discouraged as these are dangerous and should not be used.
Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher or any other safety equipment has to be within reach at all times. Many people place a water hose next to the fire these days.
Should you choose to use a fire extinguisher, make sure that it is rated for the materials you plan to burn to ensure proper control should an emergency arise.
Selection of Material
Rubbish should be classified according to how easy it is to incinerate and what dangers are posed. Paint cans and other cleaning products, aerosol cans, and plastics should be taken to a hazardous waste disposal site.
Food scraps and leftovers can be composted, and this can be done using another 55-gallon drum. Burnable waste can generally be gathered in a variety of ways depending on the available space and/or the storage capacity.
The use of burn barrels and what can be classified as suitable materials for combustion is governed at local, county and state levels. It is very important to follow the outlined rules and guidelines set forth before utilizing a burn barrel.
You might need to apply for a permit depending on where you live, as these requirements differ greatly from one jurisdiction to another.
Cover
The storage of a burn barrel must also maintain a high level of safety for safety purposes. Once the burn barrel is out of use, take out any mesh, screens, or lids that are on it and place them aside.
Instead of solidly barricading the mesh, screen, or lid, place a solid metal slab on the rim of the barrel to keep it dry from rains and snow which also prevents wearing away of the burn barrel. If properly taken care of, a burn barrel can last 5 years with regular use and maintenance.
How to Dispose Ashes from Burn Barrels
Burn barrels function efficiently when the ashes they produce are disposed off properly. After each use, ashes must be taken out from the bottom or the undersides of the barrel. Depending on the area, the method of dispossingof the ashes differs.
These ranges can include compost piles, plant bedding, or simply scattering the ashes on the ground. In this case, the most important factor dealing with the burn barrel’s efficiency as described burns is regular removal of ashes.