Galvanised Dustbin

I'm wondering if wet contents e.g. kitchen scraps could be kept in a galvanised metal dustbin? The wet contents would cause the bin to eventually rust? I'd like to get an idea of the timeframe.

Or are galvanised bins really only meant for dry contents.

 

They all used to be galvanised but plastic is probably better these days.

Looking at modern galvanised bins compared to an old 1970s one I have on my allotment they look pretty thin.

 

If modern galvanised wheelbarrows are anything to go by, I'd give it 6 months before rust sets in.

 

If you found a Gam (galvanized after manufacture) rather than a Gbm (before mftr.) it would last considerably longer.Perhaps you could put a plastic bin inside, or heavy duty poly sacks. Perhaps a council wheelybin would resist rodents, presuming this is your intent. They can be bought or 'found'!

 

I've got two galvanized buckets, one large and one small. They are many years old and have held many things including stones, cement, earth and plants waiting to pe planted in the ground. Neither have any rust on them at all.
However I think modern stuff is poorly made and shoddy and I wouldn't use a modern galvanized anything. As suggested plastic would be better.
I would put a decomposable sac inside it so that the food doesn't stick to the sides. It will become very messy otherwise, and you'd also be better using something with a lid to keep flies etc out.
Our council provides us with things called 'caddies' just for that purpose.

 

No one has asked the burning question yet.....why do you want to put your kitchen waste in a dustbin, when, being gardeners, we all know the value of composting by means of an outside compost heap?

 

Yes, exactly. Anyone who has a compost heap should know this. I stay well clear of meats, fats/oils, citrus fruits and vegetables of the onion family.

My compost heap benefits me twice over. I get worms for my tropical fish, and every spring I dig out the extremely rich well rotted down compost and surface dress my plants. Double prizes!!