New Policy Needed for 55's!!

[Waxman]

It seems fairly ridiculous that there is no 'standard protocol' regarding soap companies accepting our used 55 gallon drums for credit and re-use.

It seems that there is enough expense in materials and energy consumed in their manufacture to warrant a standard return policy on these barrels that are commonly used in many commercial carwash and detail shop operations.

What gives?

 

[Mr.Aap]

It's not worth it money wise.......

 

[Waxman]

That's not very specific. Do you mean trucking them back and rinsing them out isn't cost-effective?

 

[rph9168]

By the time the drums are shipped back to the plant, washed out, cleaned and pressure tested it is not cost effective. Not to mention that many drum bung holes are stripped or damaged in use so they can no longer be reused. In some cities you might be able to find a drum recycler that will give you a few bucks for a used drum.

 

[Jeff_L]

I wasn't aware this was a problem. I use a local soap company and they take back my 55's and reuse them. I could see companies who don't deliver themselves to not take them back due to costs associated with shipping and everything else rph said. That would be the only reason I can think of.

 

[pitzerwm]

I have a friend that own the local garbage company, the cities/state makes him recycle the waste. He said that its all an allusion, there is no money savings, just that warm & fuzzy feeling thinking that you are being green.

So I would imagine, the same thing applies to the drums. Think about your cost of labor, every time that it is touched, its expensive.

 

[lag]

Our old soap company did take them back, and gave us a small credit. New company ships common carrier, and does not take them back.

We sell them on craigslist now for $10.00 a pop.

 

[Waxman]

I sell them on CL, too. It is one way to recycle them, I guess. Maybe the best way there is unless you have a local soap supplier.

 

[washnvac]

We sell for $10, as well. We just put it on the marquis when I am up to 8 or 10 in storage, then in a week or two they are gone. I wish everything was that easy!

 

[Earl Weiss]

I have a friend that own the local garbage company, the cities/state makes him recycle the waste. He said that its all an allusion, there is no money savings, just that warm & fuzzy feeling thinking that you are being green.

So I would imagine, the same thing applies to the drums. Think about your cost of labor, every time that it is touched, its expensive.

Most still believe recycling myths. Penn & Teller had an episode on their Series "B.S." It is available on line.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1444391672891013193#

If not for government subsidies (translation - Taxpayers paying for it) there is no economic efficiency for most trash recycling, aluminum cans apparently being a noticeable exception. The myth of running out of landfill space was also repudiated by the originator. (Costs fo transporting to distant landfills may be different matter depending on locale.)

So the warm and fuzzy green recycling feeling is costing you $, unless of course you are on the recieving end of the governemnt subsidies.

 

[Washmee]

I have been selling mine as rain barrels. I clean them out and install a boiler drain valve and I include a nice downspout diverter kit I found. I sell them for $60 and I have around $30 in materials invested. It takes me 15 minutes to make one. I'll post a picture tomorrow.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Great idea! I would like to see how you make one.

 

[Jeff_L]

Sell or donate them to your local parks & rec or other city organization. I've seen barrels used as trash cans at picnic sites and for other activities they run. You could even get some advertisement out of it if you left your name/log on the barrel.

 

[newtunnel]

Had the same problem. But now we use Ultra Flex. Love it!!!!

 

[Washmee]

Great idea! I would like to see how you make one.

Sorry it took me so long.


MEP posted them below

 

[MEP001]

 

[Washmee]

This is where I get the Diverter Valve assembly.

http://www.amazon.com/Oatey-14209-Mystic-Rainwater-Collection/dp/B003E1RJVU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1315830960&sr=8-3

One of these days I'll figure out the way to post photos!

 

[Waxman]

Looks good. Do they sell?

 

[Washmee]

Looks good. Do they sell?

I've sold 3 in the last month.

 

[MEP001]

One of these days I'll figure out the way to post photos!

You had inserted the web address for the page as the image link - in IE, right-click the image once you've uploaded it to your hosting site and select Properties, then copy the text and use the "Insert Image" button in the reply box to paste it.