Plastic barrels used to store pesticides are typically made out of the thick plastic referred to as pickle barrel, and they usually are made to hold 5, 35 or 55 gallons. After the barrels have been emptied of the pesticide they originally contained, the range of purposes for which the barrels may be safely used is narrow. They may be used again to store a pesticide, or sanitized and either used as trash containers or recycled.
Instructions
1. Refill the barrel. If you have need for more pesticide then you already have an adequate storage container close at hand. Simply buy more pesticide from an industrial source that is willing to pump the pesticide into your old barrel. Some barrels may require reconditioning to be used again, according to the Clemson University Pesticide Information Program, and damaged barrels should not be used again.
2. Use the barrels as trash or recycling containers. The largest plastic barrels are the same size as industrial garbage cans, and if you triple-wash them---wearing goggles and rubber gloves---you may line them with heavy duty garbage bags for your trash or recyclable materials. Ensure that no traces of pesticide are left in the barrels before using them as garbage cans.
3. Recycle pesticide barrels. Because they have contained a pesticide, they are not safe for holding water---even water used for the lawn or for washing. Triple-wash the inside of the barrels and take them to a recycling center.
Tags: used again, garbage cans, more pesticide, pesticide they