How to Make a Burn Barrel

A burn barrel can be a practical and efficient solution for reducing household or yard waste or managing debris on your property. Whether you live in a rural area or have specific burning needs, making your own burn barrel is a DIY project that can save you time and effort. This guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet will walk you through every step to ensure your barrel is both safe and effective.

What Is a Burn Barrel?

A burn barrel is essentially a steel drum modified to safely contain and control the burning of trash and yard debris. It’s commonly used in areas where trash disposal options are limited or for handling specific types of waste, such as non-recyclable paper, leaf piles, and other organic materials. When set up correctly, it minimizes smoke and ash that could otherwise create a problem for you or your neighbors.

NOTE: Before you get started, it’s essential to ensure that burn barrels are allowed in your area by checking your local regulations. Permits may be required, and some cities or counties have restrictions to protect air quality and prevent wildfires.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following materials and tools before you begin:

Materials

• 55-gallon metal drum (open-ended, preferably rust-free)
• Hardware cloth, metal fencing, or a metal grate (to act as a screen)
• Concrete blocks or bricks (for elevating the barrel)
• High-temperature spray paint (optional, for rust prevention)

Tools

• Hammer and metal punch or drill with a metal bit
• Heavy-duty gloves and safety goggles
• Shovel (to clean up ash and debris)

How to Build Your Burn Barrel

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your burn barrel:

Step 1: Drill Ventilation Holes

Good airflow is key for safe and efficient burning. Use a hammer and metal punch or drill to make 10 to 15 small holes around the bottom third of the 55 gallon barrel. Space them two to three inches apart in a horizontal line. These holes will allow fresh air to enter and feed the fire.

Drill an additional three to four holes in the bottom of the barrel to drain any rainwater that may collect when not in use.

Step 2: Create a Burn Cover

A burn cover will contain burning debris and prevent large ash or sparks from escaping. You can use hardware cloth, metal fencing, or a metal grate to create a burn cover. The cover should fit snugly over the top of the barrel. This is a crucial safety measure, especially when burning materials that might crackle or spark.

When you’re not using the burn barrel, cover the top with sheet metal or another sturdy weatherproof material to keep rainwater from getting in.

Step 3: Elevate the Barrel

Set your burn barrel directly on concrete blocks or bricks. Ensure the blocks are arranged so the barrel is elevated a few inches from the ground. Keeping the area underneath the barrel clear helps with drainage and airflow.

Step 4: Paint (optional)

To extend the life of your burn barrel and prevent rust, coat it with high-temperature spray paint. Be sure to use paint designed for metal and capable of withstanding high heat.

Safety Tips for Using Your Burn Barrel

Using your burn barrel safely isn’t just a good practice—it’s essential. Here are some crucial safety measures to take:

1. Follow Local Regulations: Before burning anything, confirm that it’s legal in your area.
2. Pick the Right Weather Conditions: Burn only on calm days when there’s little to no wind. Wind increases the risk of spreading fire. And avoid using the barrel during dry or hot seasons, especially if your area has a fire ban.
3. Burn Only Permitted Materials: Stick to yard waste, paper, and other burnable debris. Avoid aerosol cans, plastics, treated wood, chemicals, or food scraps. Compost food scraps instead.
4. Manage Your Trash: Burn only one bag of trash at a time. Overfilling the barrel leads to incomplete burning and excessive smoke.
5. Be Neighborly: Always consider how your burn will affect others. Too much smoke or smell could bother nearby residents. Talk to your neighbors to decide on the most convenient time for burning, if needed.
6. Keep It Away From Flammables: Always place your burn barrel at least 10 feet away from trees, buildings, or anything else that may catch fire.
7. Supervise the Fire: Never leave a burning barrel unattended. Stay close by with a hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher.

How to Dispose of Ashes

• Wait until the ashes are fully cool. This can take up to 24 hours.
• Use a shovel, and transfer the ashes into a metal container with a lid.
• Consult local guidelines to ensure you’re properly disposing the ashes in your area.

Making a burn barrel is a handy way to manage burnable waste while keeping your property tidy. With the right materials, setup, and safety precautions, you’ll have a reliable tool for waste management whenever you need it. Take your time building it, and always make sure to use it responsibly.

For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other DIY Projects articles.