According to National Geographic’s website, researchers from the World Bank, the global production of plastic and other solid waste amounts to a minimum of 3.5 million tons per day, which is ten times the quantity generated a century ago. Among all countries, the United States stands out as the largest contributor, producing a staggering 250 million tons annually, equivalent to approximately 4.4 pounds of waste per person per day.
But thanks to trash bins, we are able to manage and sort our trash accordingly and more properly. However, trash bins or cans are now being transformed by people into something else, something beautiful.
And it’s all the while keeping them useful in many ways than the world has ever imagined!
If you love mother nature and you worry about the future, then you are at the right place!
Presenting! The DIY Rain Barrel!
If you are someone who gives natural resources so much importance then consider yourself lucky by reading this article. In this tutorial video, you will learn how to transform a simple waste container into a rain barrel that is very useful, especially during the rainy season.
Again, all you need is a trash bin with a lid and a couple of carpentry materials like…
- spigot
- plumber’s tape
- handheld drill
- 1″ drill bit
- mesh
- glue gun
- zip ties (at least 2 pieces)
Ready? Then let’s get this started.
Step 1: Flip the lid over and place a piece of scrap wood under the middle area. Using a drill bit of at least one inch in size, drill two holes into the lid near the lowest part to ensure quick water entry. Make sure there is no standing water. Turn the lid back over and use a small knife to remove any burrs or plastic around the drilled holes, preventing debris from clogging them.
Step 2: Attach a small piece of mesh as a filter to the lid. A four-inch metal mesh piece can be glued down securely. Apply a line of hot glue along one side of the hole area on the lid. Use a disposable paint stick to press the mesh firmly onto the lid, ensuring good adhesion and avoiding burns from the hot glue. Create zigzag lines of hot glue on the sides and back of the mesh and press it down firmly. Remember, this will be the bottom of the lid when placed on the can, so appearance is not crucial.
Step 3: Flip the lid back over to appreciate its clean look and the effectiveness of the mesh filter.
Step 4: Choose a faucet/spigot that allows easy water flow for retrieval. Select a drill bit similar in size to the threaded connection on the back of the faucet and drill a hole for it. When choosing the drilling spot on the bucket, avoid drilling right at the bottom. Mark a spot an inch or two higher to let any dirt or debris settle at the bottom, preventing clogs in the spigot.
Step 5: Drill into the marked spot on the bucket, applying moderate pressure to avoid damaging the plastic. Wrap the threads of the spigot with a plumber’s tape. Apply six to eight wraps, ensuring a tight seal. With the tape in place, insert the spigot into the hole in the bucket and gently turn it clockwise. The threads will grip the bucket’s sides and begin to tighten. Keep twisting until the spigot is snug against the bucket walls. Avoid over-tightening. Optionally, apply clear silicone on the inside of the bucket for added waterproofing.
Step 6: Set up a stand outside next to a downspout and place the bucket and lid on it. Cut the downspout to direct rainwater from the roof into the gutters and flow into the rain barrel. Position the rain barrel next to the downspout and secure the lid with zip ties to prevent it from being blown off by the wind.
Use the collected rainwater to water your plants or to flush down dirt from your driveway. You are not just being creative here but also doing your simple contribution to water conservation.
Watch how it’s actually done in the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
