By City of Castlegar
What’s the plan for your old garbage can?
In April, 2016, Castlegar residents will be replacing their garbage cans with City-provided bear-resistant wheeled carts. So what should you do with your old can? Luckily, there are many creative and environmentally-friendly ways to repurpose used garbage cans and keep them out of the landfill!
DIY Rain Barrel
• Drill a hole a few inches from the bottom of the can and insert a rain barrel spigot (available at hardware stores);
• Apply a bead of waterproof sealant around the spigot;
• Make an entry hole in the lid, large enough to handle water from your downspout and drill overflow holes;
• Fit a screen over the top of the can, under the lid to keep leaves and pests out of your rain barrel;
• Position directly under your downspout. A raised platform will make filling watering cans easier.
DIY Backyard Composter
• Thoroughly clean the can;
• Drill plenty of air holes in sides, lid and bottom, about 3-4” apart;
• Start composting! Be sure to add lots of dried leaves or ‘browns’ to your compost and turn regularly with a shovel handle to reduce smells ;
• Never compost meat, dairy or cooked foods in bear country.
DIY Potato Planter
• Thoroughly clean the can;
• Plant seed potatoes at bottom of can and top with 3” of soil;
• Once seedlings reach 6” tall, add 3” more of soil;
• Continue all the way to the top of the container;
• At harvest time, simply turn the container over and collect your potatoes!
DIY Pet Waste Composter
• Drill plenty of air holes in the sides of the can, except for the top few inches;
• Carefully cut off the bottom of the can;
• Bury the can in the dirt in a place away from any vegetable gardens, fruit trees or waterways;
• Add loose rocks to the bottom for drainage;
• Start composting! You may want to add compost or septic starter to the first few deposits;
• Finished ‘compost’ should not be used on edible plants.
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