What is a Burn Barrel?
A burn barrel is a specially designed container, typically made from steel, that has been modified to facilitate the safe and effective burning of waste materials. These barrels are valued for their ability to simplify waste disposal, reduce landfill contributions, and manage trash in areas lacking regular waste collection services.
Historically, residents of rural or remote regions relied on open burning or burial of refuse, practices now recognized as environmentally harmful and often regulated or prohibited. Modern burn barrels provide a controlled environment that minimizes smoke pollution and fire hazards while allowing for the responsible incineration of combustible waste.
Most burn barrels are fashioned from repurposed 55-gallon steel drums, which are cut, drilled, and fitted with vents or lids to optimize airflow and safety. They serve as a practical solution for disposing of yard waste, household refuse, and other burnable materials, especially in areas with stringent environmental standards.
Types of Burn Barrels
While the concept of a burn barrel appears straightforward, its design and usage are diverse, tailored to specific needs and safety considerations. Proper operation is essential to ensure safety and maximize efficiency. Over the years, various types of burn barrels have been developed to suit different disposal requirements.
Yard Waste Burn Barrel
This type is ideal for disposing of organic yard debris such as leaves, grass clippings, small branches, and wood scraps. To mitigate risks associated with open burning, yard waste burn barrels are designed to contain debris and reduce smoke emissions. Before burning, ensure yard waste is thoroughly dried to minimize smoke and prevent excessive pollution. Shredding branches and limbs into smaller pieces facilitates better combustion, and watering the area beforehand helps control flames. Only organic yard waste should be burned; avoid including plastics, painted materials, or household trash, which can release toxic fumes.
Galvanized Garden Burn Barrel
Constructed from galvanized steel, these barrels are widely available at hardware stores and serve as durable, high-temperature incinerators suitable for yard waste and paper products. The zinc coating provides corrosion resistance but can emit toxic fumes if exposed to sustained high temperatures, so monitoring temperature levels during use is crucial for safety. These incinerators are an effective choice for more populated or regulated areas where open burning is restricted.
Functional Burn Barrel
Designed with practicality in mind, a functional burn barrel maintains a traditional cylindrical shape but incorporates features to enhance safety and efficiency. It typically includes an opening at the bottom for lighting and a vented lid to facilitate airflow. Materials inside are ignited via the lower opening and incinerated at high temperatures. This design ensures complete combustion and minimizes residual waste.
20-Gallon Trash Can Burn Barrel
For urban or densely populated environments, a smaller, portable option such as a 20-gallon galvanized trash can is often employed. This model features legs for stability, multiple side holes for ventilation, and a solid lid to prevent debris escape. Its compact size makes it easy to manage and position, and the multiple ventilation holes support proper smoke release. This variant is suitable for controlled burning of household waste and yard debris in areas with limited space or stricter regulations.
Vented Stainless Steel Burn Barrel
Made from high-grade stainless steel, these barrels withstand temperatures up to 1600°F, making them suitable for high-temperature burning tasks. The sides are pre-cut and welded to form a robust, vented structure, often with brackets holding a vented lid. These burn barrels are highly durable, portable, and multifunctional, capable of incinerating garden refuse, household waste, or serving as portable fireplaces.
Burn Cage
The burn cage is an innovative accessory that surrounds a traditional burn barrel with perforated steel panels, creating a rectangular or square enclosure. It features a vented lid and side panels with drilled holes to improve airflow and enhance combustion efficiency. The cage design helps contain ashes and embers, making waste disposal safer and cleaner, especially in wildfire-prone regions.
Traditional Burn Barrel
The classic burn barrel is typically a repurposed 55-gallon drum with punched ventilation holes. It is often elevated on cinder blocks or other supports to ensure proper airflow underneath. The lid can be a simple metal sheet, wire mesh, or a cage, depending on local safety regulations. While cost-effective and easy to assemble, traditional barrels require regular cleaning to remove accumulated ash and prevent rusting.
Manufacturing and Customizing Burn Barrels
All burn barrels share core features: effective ventilation, secure containment, and safety during operation. Most start as standard steel drums, primarily 55-gallon sizes, but can be adapted or custom-made for specific needs.
Selecting Suitable Barrels
While used 55-gallon drums are common, newer models are manufactured in sizes ranging from 20 gallons to over 55 gallons. When sourcing a barrel, it is vital to ensure it has not previously contained hazardous substances like chemicals or fuels. Cleaning and refurbishing are essential steps to ensure safety. Some suppliers specialize in refurbishing used drums, applying multi-stage cleaning processes to eliminate residual hazards. If the barrel is painted or coated, it should be burned empty to burn off any residues before regular use.
Preparing the Barrel for Use
Removing the top of the drum depends on the seal type—welded or removable. For welded tops, cutting tools like a barrel opener or torch are used to carefully remove the lid, preserving it for future use. Drilling ventilation holes is critical; typically, 10 to 30 holes of 0.5 to 0.75 inches diameter are drilled evenly around the sides and bottom to facilitate airflow. Regular inspections are recommended if the barrel is used extensively over months, replacing it if structural integrity is compromised.
Adding a Cover and Supports
The cover, or lid, should fit securely to prevent debris from escaping while allowing smoke to vent. Round, tight-fitting lids are preferred, though other designs are acceptable if they meet safety standards. Some regions mandate the use of grid-style cages with regulated hole sizes for additional safety, especially in wildfire-prone areas.
Positioning the burn barrel correctly is essential; it must sit on a flat, stable surface, ideally on cinder blocks or other supports that promote airflow. The placement must be at least 30 feet from structures, trees, or flammable materials. Clear surrounding land of dry vegetation and debris enhances safety during operation.
Safety Tips for Using a Burn Barrel
While burn barrels provide a practical waste disposal method, adherence to safety protocols is vital to prevent accidents or environmental harm.
Placement
Choose a level, stable location away from buildings, trees, vehicles, and dry vegetation. Maintain a minimum distance of 30 feet from any structures or flammable items. Ensure the area around the barrel is free of combustible materials and overhanging branches. Preferably, set up the barrel on bare dirt or another non-flammable surface.
Loading
Do not overfill the barrel; keep it less than halfway full to allow proper airflow and prevent debris from being expelled. Place larger items at the bottom and smaller items on top. Remove any potential combustibles from nearby, and only burn materials appropriate for disposal—avoid plastics, hazardous chemicals, or painted items.
Lighting
Ignite the waste using long-stemmed lighters or matches, lighting from the top or through designated openings. Avoid accelerants like gasoline or kerosene, as these are dangerous and can cause uncontrollable fires.
Extinguishing and Monitoring
Keep a fire extinguisher or a water hose nearby, rated for the types of materials burned. Never leave the fire unattended, and ensure all embers are fully extinguished before leaving the site. Regularly check the burn area for smoke or hot spots.
Material Selection
Burn only suitable materials. Hazardous waste such as paints, aerosols, or chemicals should be taken to proper disposal facilities. Organic yard waste and household waste that are safe to burn should be the primary focus. Always verify local regulations and obtain necessary permits before operating a burn barrel.
Post-Use Maintenance
After burning, remove and dispose of ashes properly—either scattering on non-flammable ground, composting, or in accordance with local regulations. Store the barrel in a dry, protected area, removing screens or lids, and covering the opening with a metal plate to prevent weather damage and prolong its lifespan.