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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Citizen Chemist => Topic started by: jennyholli76 on February 17, 2018, 05:52:38 PM

Title: 55 Gallon Plastic Drum Containing Paint Thinner... Safe for Compost Tumbler?
Post by: jennyholli76 on February 17, 2018, 05:52:38 PM
We are interested in making a compost tumbler out of a used 55 Gallon Plastic Drum. Problem is, the drum previously contained paint thinner. The typical ingredients of paint thinner include the following:
Mineral spirits
Acetone
Turpentine
Naphtha
Toluene
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Dimethylformamide (DMF)
2-Butoxyethanol, or any of the other glycol ethers

Is there a recommended method for thoroughly cleaning a drum such as this to be used as a composting bin for an organic garden, or would it be recommended that the drum not be used for such purpose at all?

I thank you in advance for your advice and suggestions.
Jenny
Title: Re: 55 Gallon Plastic Drum Containing Paint Thinner... Safe for Compost Tumbler?
Post by: Arkcon on February 17, 2018, 10:28:55 PM
Is there a recommended method for thoroughly cleaning a drum such as this to be used as a composting bin for an organic garden,

No.  No one in industry studies this.  Things are recycled, but not reused.  No one want a surprise, so no one want to risk it, so there isn't a definitive answer.

Quote
or would it be recommended that the drum not be used for such purpose at all?

No.  Here's what I've said before, and other people have opinions, not answers.

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=79600.msg289954#msg289954

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=70169.msg252768#msg252768

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=22030.msg84242#msg84242
Title: Re: 55 Gallon Plastic Drum Containing Paint Thinner... Safe for Compost Tumbler?
Post by: jennyholli76 on February 18, 2018, 09:14:37 AM
Thank you. I was afraid that might be the answer.... just trying to save a buck, but not worth it when it comes to contaminating food we will consume.