Up-cycled and Re-purposed drums for garden use

Have you ever wondered what Recycle IT do with the many washing machine drums we collect and receive in our recycling facility. Well after some research and some trial and error we found washing machine drums can be re-purposed or up-cycled into useful items for reuse at home, in the office or in a garden.

In this post we are looking at how recycled washing machine drums and tumble dryer drums can be used in outdoor spaces. Ideas include garden planters, fire pits retro barbecues and storage stools.

Above you with see children from a local primary school in Lucan, Co Dublin planting a reused tumble dryer drum with some help from the Recycle IT on Biological Diversity Day, 2017. This and other drums used on the day were extracted from tumble dryers which have been recycled by our teams. They are now in the school garden helping to encourage learning.

1. Garden Planters

Gardeners around the globe use various types of containers to enhance the look of their gardens. They add height, dimension, create more space and unique features. Garden planters bring ideas to life and can change the way you use your garden space. Washing machine drums are a great way to add a modern twist to you garden They can change the focus and help make your garden different to others. Recycled washing machine drums make great planters especially for growing dwarf fruit trees, The planters are deep and roomy and have drainage holes included.

2. Retro barbecue / outdoor heater

Your family, friends and neighbours are going to love this one. With its fire-resistant metal design, you can add charcoal briquettes to the washing machine drum, place a cooking rack over the centre opening and rediscover the satisfaction and affordability of outdoor cooking. As a bonus you can also take all the praise for coming up with this innovative idea. PS.. It can also be used as an outdoor heater.

3. An outdoor stool with internal storage

This washing machine drum stool which can be mounted on casters and allows you enjoy your outdoor space. You don’t have to worry about metal rust or repainting wooden furniture. The perforated exterior of your washing machine’s drum offers an attractive modem feature which is weather proof. With the additional bonus of storage for kid’s toys or BBQ equipment this funky stool is something kids and adults will love.

We hope you found these ideas interesting and please keep us update on any new ideas or designs for reuse. If you want to save money and source a washing machine drums as a cheaper alternative  please give us a call on 01 4578321 or send us an email

Drums are perforated and remember all metal will get hot when heat is applied so take care.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Last year Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to over 100,000 homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.