Anyone know where to get 55+ Gallon Plastic Drums for Cheap? I want to make a rain barrel system (Austin: for sale, buy)

[shaxs]

Hello All,

For a weekend project, I want to make a rain barrel collection system. I know I can buy pre-maid kits, but where is the fun in that? I have found some online, but they are expensive. There are plenty of businesses that either have to recycle or get rid of them, so I was wondering if anyone knows where I can purchase some at a decent price?

[Trainwreck20]

Be very careful getting recycled barrels, as you don't know for sure what was in them and whether it is all gone. That said, there are some places you can get them from, I just don't remember the names . We got some back from a small manufacturing facility off of Krammer many years back, but my memory is no where near good enough to remember more than that....

[10scoachrick]

I have to agree on the 'origin' of the barrels...ours was 'food grade' since it was originally used to ship olives from Europe. I believe many of the materials used for non-food-grade barrels can leach into the water and make it unsafe for plants. Not sure how you can check on any given barrel, trash can or other container.

While we're on the subject, the spigots on our barrel are placed one directly above the other...we would use the higher placement if the watering can or vessel is too tall to fit under the lower spigot but the alignment makes it a little tricky to fit a can underneath the upper spigot with the lower spigot in the way(that may be the worst sentence I've ever constructed). In other words, the barrel needs to be high enough to use just the lower spigot position OR the spigots should be offset so one is not in the way of the other. Lower position=faster flow, easier emptying of barrel BUT the spigot must be high enough to place vessel underneath. IF using a garden hose, prepare to wait a LOOOONNGG time...good for soaking but not filling.

Make sure your barrel 'foundation' is sturdy...you are looking at 400+ lbs of water when the barrel is near capacity.

Good luck, have fun!

[CptnRn]

The City of Austin has rain barrel rebates available and a list of suppliers here:

City of Austin - Rainbarrel Sales and Rebates

[tibbar]

We bought ours on the east side of South 1st street just before you get to Slaughter. This was in 1999 so they may not be there any more.

[shaxs]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

The City of Austin has rain barrel rebates available and a list of suppliers here:

City of Austin - Rainbarrel Sales and Rebates

I live in Pflugerville so I do not qualify. Pflugerville does have pre-made rain barrels for sale, but where is the fun in that

[shaxs]

I will also be looking for food grade barrels. Im going to call a few places and see if I can find some for sale or free.

[johnrex62]

There are several folk offering barrels (both plastic and metal type) on Craigslist. You will have to call to find out what their source is and if they are acceptable for your use.

[TMIgrad]

I bought several at Lowe's. They are fairly low-profile and already have the connections for overflow and a garden hose at the bottom. I think I paid $89 per each for 55 gallon container.

[shaxs]

Originally Posted by TMIgrad

I bought several at Lowe's. They are fairly low-profile and already have the connections for overflow and a garden hose at the bottom. I think I paid $89 per each for 55 gallon container.

I found some on craigslist for $20 a piece. I want to custom build them, so I didn't want an assembled system Where is the fun in that