There is a long crack in the rain barrel. There is no question that the container can no longer be used as a result. Unfortunately, conventional rain barrels are made of plastic, which makes disposal difficult. After all, this material does not rot, so that the plastic becomes a burden on the environment. On this page you can read how to dispose of your water butt properly and what options are available to you.
A metal water butt does not belong in household waste
The material is crucial
Depending on the material your water butt is made of, certain disposal regulations apply. If you disregard these rules, you risk a fine.
- plastic tons
- tons of metal
plastic tons
If your example is a very small plastic water butt, you can usually dispose of it in the household waste. Before doing so, however, you should break up the rain barrel so that it fits easily into the garbage can. Otherwise arrange a pick-up appointment with the bulky waste. In some regions you have to pay for the pickup. With a bit of luck, you can also hand in your model at a waste disposal facility. Certain plastics are even recyclable. If this is not the case, you will henceforth eke out an existence in the landfill.
Metal rain barrels
Metal bins, on the other hand, must never be disposed of with household waste. If you still try to hide the container among other rubbish, the garbage disposal may even refuse to take it away as well. Normally, the water butt is scrapped like scrap metal. A private collection by the waste disposal office is also possible here, as long as your water butt weighs less than 100 kg.
Note: The rules for disposing of a garbage can vary from region to region. To avoid trouble, you should contact your responsible waste disposal office as a precautionary measure in case of doubt.
Alternatives to disposal
Always keep in mind that a rain barrel, even if disposed of properly, always creates waste. How about misusing the old bin and using it in a different way. Here you can find out, for example, how to plant your water butt. If you personally don't find a purpose for the model, an enthusiast might show interest and buy the bin from you.