I have a 55 gal drum that was at one time filled with Oil of Wintergreen. I bought it from craigslist to use for composting. I didn't realize this at the time, but apparently oil of wintergreen is extremely toxic. I'm wondering now if I should try to clean it thoroughly (and how) or if I should just give up and pay the dump to take it?
Has anyone done anything like this before? I bought some Simple green and rinsed that through the container, but I'm not sure if that is enough. I have a family and want to make sure this is absolutely safe to use.
Thanks in advance for any help
-
rainbowgardener
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 25279
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
- Location: TN/GA 7b
If you washed it out, it should be fine. Oil of wintergreen, methyl salicylate, is related to aspirin and like aspirin it is prescribed for oral usage, taking up to a teaspoon at a time. It is toxic in large dosages. Whatever traces might be left in your container, will likely break down in composting and would be harmless anyway.
Be sure to put lots of air holes in the drum!
Be sure to put lots of air holes in the drum!