treated wood for compost bins

[greeninthetrees]

My first post here so hello to everyone... I’m seeking some advice about whether it’s okay to use “treatedâ€

[justskint]

Hi Mark

I doubt if its an old fence that any trace of creosote would have any effect whatsoever. If it were my fence its the sort of use I would put it to.

[greeninthetrees]

many thanks... it's a bit of a relief as I've already built one of the bins. should think first then act!

[ina]

Hi Mark, and welcome to the site!

I agree with justskint - I wouldn't worry too much about old treated wood. It's not as if it was dripping with fresh creosote... I'm sure there's more "stuff" in the air and rain water!

[marshlander]

Helo Mark, and welcome.

Good luck with the composting. Our bins are a patchwork of any timber we could find laying about, some corrugated iron sheet and goodness knows what else. Your bins sound deluxe designer by comparison!

[red]

hi Mark - welcome

no idea if the wood is ok or not.. but I would use it.

[greeninthetrees]

Thanks for everyones advice. No excuse for not getting on with it now! :-)

[Stonehead]

Our muck bins are made from salvaged timber of all kinds and descriptions. We've had no problems at all — in fact the boxes are teeming with critters and worms, and the well-rotted muck has worked a treat on the veg.

I did paint the insides of the bins with a bitumen-type paint intended for the inside of water tanks to stave off the inevitable decay a little longer and seal in any nasties. The outsides are painted with preservative every year.

Most of the timber is six to 10 years old, including three to four years holding muck, and all of it is still sound.

[Millymollymandy]

And how handy is his avatar for this thread!

[chookwoman]

And how handy is his avatar for this thread!

I was thinking that. I just have two great big black plastic ones.