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Creosote Substitute
todmordenlad
Posts: 3
Is it safe to use to protect a new wooden compost bin?
0
todmordenlad
Posts: 3
Posts
Real creosote is banned for use by non-professionals in the UK http://www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/copr/creosote.htm
Other timber preservatives such as http://www.wickes.co.uk/gardens/garden-timbercare+wood-preservatives/icat/preservatives/ and those sold by other establishments can be used if you wish.
Organic gardeners may prefer not to http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/factsheets/gg33.php
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'm using Ronseal one coat shed and fence paint on my shed project. Water based so not likely to leak fumes. It' s covering well, time will tell how long it lasts
In the sticks near Peterborough
I have some Barrettine Creosote Substitute and I know it preserves timber. My query is whether it will harm nearby living plants or will it harm composted material.
Thanks
I've no experience of Barrettine Creosote Substitute, but Googling reveals that their original creosote substitute is also banned and has been replaced by Barrettine Creocote - however googling doesn't reveal whether it is harmful to plants or not.
Which sort do you have and what does it say on the tin?
Personally if it doesn't state that it's harmless to plants I wouldn't use it.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I think that if it was harmfull to anything it would be labeled as so bylaw.
As creosote is now banned i use oilbased stains and add old engine oil to it,It lasts for ages and is harmless to plants unless they get lots onto the plant then i'm not certain.Diddy.
Thanks to everybody who took the time to reply. In view of the uncertainty, I decided to paint the legs of the composter which actually go into the ground with the Creosote Substitute I had having mixed it 50/50 with engine oil. The rest I will dispose of safely. The timber I used was tanalised so it shouild be OK.
Creosote isnt actually banned, you can still buy it but in bulk from stockists.
Reasons it was "banned" was if it was injested it "may " harm you
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best preserver by a mile, just take care .
To clarify - creosote is banned for use by the general public - UK legislation details here
http://www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/copr/creosote.htm
The danger arises from skin contact which has been found to increase the risk of developing cancer.
The reason it is permitted for use in professional/industrial situations is that regulations can be applied and training can be given and penalties applied if these are not adhered to.
Any business supplying creosote to a member of the general public is in breach of the regulations and liable to be prosecuted.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.