I ordered a rain barrel kit online, and converted our old 60 gallon garbage can into a receptacle. A funnel-type device diverts water from the gutter spout into the can, with a faucet attatchment near the bottom to attatch a hose to. I have to fiddle with the elevation a little more, putting the can up on some cinder blocks.
With this I was able to accomplish 3 things: I made use of the old garbage can that the company never came and picked up when the county switched services (they snooze, they lose!), I’m able to collect free rainwater for my garden, up to 55-60 gallons, and I’ve made our house just a little more green and environmentally friendly.
My only slight concern is whether the can will hold that much water without bursting. That's almost 500 pounds of water when it is full, and will probably get quite warm in the sun, being a black plastic container. I’m considering strapping it with some metal bands, but I’m going to wait to see what happens once it gets some water in it.
Now, we just need some rain. Naturally, there is non predicted for the entire coming week.
This is such a clever use of an old garbage can! Well done, green Chef Jack! Yes, some rain would be nice, wouldn't it?! Maybe tonight ...
ReplyDeleteObviously you've had "some" rain now. How did the barrel hold up? We've got three (made of recycled food-grade 55 gal drums), and the filled up in a matter of minutes!
ReplyDeleteThe barrel filled up with Thursday-nights rain. There was a leak around a metal handle and a lot of the water seeped out. I sealed it with silicone and I'm awaiting more rain.
ReplyDeleteJack, we just had the City of Atlanta come and pick up our 'extra' garbage can and now I'm kicking myself because it just dawned on me that I could've made a rain barrel with it. Anyhow, I see you had the idea a couple of years ago (Gwinnett County - I see the name!). How did it hold up with the rain??
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