Bear-proof garbage containers can mean new life for old garbage cans
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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