Black Recycling Boxes left over

Sat 14 Oct 2017, 11:55 (last edited on Sat 14 Oct 2017, 11:56)

After all these great suggestions, does anyone still have a spare 'old style' black box they no longer need? I still need another one, as the newer designed one supplied by WODC last year (to replace an older box that went AWOL) partially shattered after little use and will not last much longer

Mon 18 Sep 2017, 10:28

I found your tips really useful Geoff, thank you very much!

Sun 17 Sep 2017, 19:24

Why don't we use the surplus black boxes as planters, spread them along the Slade to slow the traffic down?

Sun 17 Sep 2017, 15:31

Absolutely - and I believe there is an option to retain one for small electrical items as well.

Sun 17 Sep 2017, 11:08

I understand that glass has to be put in the black boxes, separate from the rest of the recycling so you need to keep at least one back.

Sun 17 Sep 2017, 10:40

After the October recycling change, WODC will allow householders to retain the black boxes. A suggestion as to a horticultural use is made below from past Charlbury Garden Society Chair Peter Bridgman.

This is also included on the CGS web pages - under Community.

There is almost no limit to what could be grown in redundant black recycling boxes, but I would like to make a few comments
a) The boxes would be very heavy once filled with compost so would need to be in situ before filling
b) They will need about 50 litres of compost (Currently £3.86 at B & Q)
c) Ideally they will need some sort of watering system to ensure that they never dry out. Make regular checks to ensure that water is penetrating right to the bottom of the box. There are holes already in the bottom of the box to ensure the boxes aren't over watered.
d) Plants will need regular feeding with liquid feed or should have about 400 grammes of slow release fertilizer mixed in thoroughly before planting or sowing.
e) Obviously with vegetables it makes sense to only grow crops that have a high value
f) It might help to paint the boxes white to keep plant roots a bit cooler in hot weather,
g) Plant intensively but avoid overcrowding!