I've recently acquired some plastic 55 gallon drums that I want to use for raised garden beds. They're used drums that previously stored olive oil. I'm wondering if it's safe to paint the outside of them to make them look nicer. Will the paint and any chemicals leach into the soil and affect the vegetables I plan to grow?
2 Answers
Painting plastic drums can lead to issues if the paint leaches into the soil. Generally, paint has had a bad rap for being toxic, especially if it’s the wrong type. If you still want them to look good, look for non-toxic, plant-safe paint options!
Before painting, it’s important to consider what the drums were used for. Since these held olive oil, they might be okay, but always double-check. If anything potentially harmful was stored in them, the drums could be contaminated. If you're just growing ornamental plants, there's less to worry about, but for veggies, it's best to be cautious.