What to do with creosote?

n9viw · #1 10/23/10, 09:58 AM

I cleaned out the lower section of our south chimney the other day, and was absolutely ASTOUNDED at the quantity of creosote that I cleaned out from it- I more than half-filled a 30-gallon bucket with it!

I'm guessing the POs never cleaned it out before they moved out, and eight years of the house just sitting vacant caused the creosote to fall off the chimney walls and pack down to the bottom. I cleaned it out via the first-floor flue opening, where we'll be installing our propane stove.

Okay, so now I have all this creosote... what can I do with it? Does it do anything good for a garden or compost pile? Will it do anything more than make a mess if I spread it amongst the gravel in the driveway? Will it compact enough to fill a hole in the yard?

Suggestions, please!

TIA,
Nick

TxAprilMagic · #2 10/23/10, 12:56 PM

Tells you a lot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creosote

texican · #3 10/23/10, 02:18 PM

I wouldn't put it on the soil... EPA declares areas where creosote has been used as toxic waste sites.

I'd'a burned it. Good hot fire takes care of these situations. Of course, they say this is how a lot of house fires start. Danged ol 'efficient' fireplaces woodstoves... with an airy one, they burn out the creosote regularly.

I'd probably ask the county if they have a toxic waste pickup day?

Paul O · #4 10/23/10, 03:47 PM

I heat almost totally with wood so I have to deal with creosote. I have re-burned it with some success but its a hassle. I'm thinking of trying one of those charcoal starter chimneys to incinerate the stuff. I hope others will chime in and suggest other solutions.

n9viw · #5 10/24/10, 08:22 PM

I suppose a charcoal starter chimney would require trying to compress it into 'briquettes' and burning it off that way... the creosote crumbs I have would just pour right out the holes in the chimney we have.

Okay, so lawn, garden, and compost pile are all off. I'm guessing I'll either dump it on the driveway (EPA, schmEPA, about everything is toxic anymore), or find some way to liquefy it and paint it on my deck. Heck, it works for 'phone poles!

Nick

n9viw · #6 10/24/10, 09:07 PM

Having now READ the wiki link (AprilMagic, thx for that), it looks like it's nigh unto useless unless I can burn it or dilute it by spreading it around. So, on to the drive it goes; the idea of compressing it into bricks to burn (over which it would likely be unsafe to cook food) just makes me tired.