Have you ever thought about what to do with a shipping container when you no longer need it? They are a valuable resource and can be recycled into an entirely different item in a variety of ways. This article will discuss five ways to recycle shipping containers.
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What are Shipping Containers?
Shipping containers come in various sizes, such as 8ft wide and 8.5ft high, and come in lengths of 20 and 40 ft. They are made from steel, making them strong, weatherproof, and easy to transport. Additionally, they can transport all kinds of cargo worldwide by ship, truck, or rail.
Why Should You Recycle Shipping Containers?
Shipping containers hold supplies from the coast and ports and are brought to training yards and distribution facilities by sea. Also, they’re an essential part of the supply chain. However, they can be a nuisance when they’ve outlived their usefulness.
There are several reasons why you should recycle shipping containers. Here are a few:
1. Insect and Rodent Proof
Shipping containers are rodent and bug-proof, so they can be used to transport foodstuffs without worrying about it spoiling. It is also extremely resistant to rot, mold, termites, and other insects threatening traditional homes.
2. Weatherproof
Made of steel, shipping containers are weatherproof, making them a great building material. They can be recycled into homes and offices at a fraction of the cost of building from scratch.
Their durability makes them ideal for homes in areas prone to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, rain, and snow.
3. Portable
Shipping containers have many uses and can be used as storage units. They can be used as mobile offices and portable workspaces. So, if you want an office that can be moved around or need a place to store your items, you can use shipping containers.
4. Comes in Many Sizes
Shipping containers make the best storage units because they are available in different types and sizes.
For example, you can have a large shipping container with a bigger size. This type of container is ideal for storing large items such as furniture and appliances.
If not, you can also lease a smaller storage unit with a smaller size. The smaller unit can be used to store small items such as clothes, books, and CDs.
What Are the Ways to Recycle Shipping Containers?
While many people like living in homemade recycled shipping containers, there is plenty of other creative utilization for these versatile structures.
Here are the best ways to recycle shipping containers.
1. Office
A shipping container office is a good choice if you need a mobile or temporary office space. It can be placed on your property or moved to another location easily. Container offices are usually only one room but can be combined to make larger spaces. They can be built with windows and ventilation, power, and internet connections.
2. Container Gardens
Shipping containers can be used as garden boxes, fence posts, planters, etc. Using bamboo stakes and string, you can build your support pillars and even grow pole beans up into the container’s roof.
Since they’re cheaper than buying any other garden supports, you can buy lots of cheap materials for your container garden and upgrade it as you become more comfortable gardening.
3. Swimming Pools
A shipping container swimming pool can be a great way to have a private pool without breaking the bank. It’s an easy DIY project that you can do on the weekend, and it will cost you a fraction of installing an in-ground pool.
4. Playground
The cost savings of using shipping containers as playgrounds can add up to a huge sum of money compared to traditional playground equipment. In addition to saving on expenses, shipping container playgrounds offer several other benefits because they are:
- Durable and can withstand the elements
- It can be built quickly and easily
- Require little maintenance once built
5. Mobile Businesses
Shipping containers are cheap and plentiful, but that’s not why they’re so popular. Instead, they represent a new way of doing business.
Food trucks and pop-up shops can be found in many cities, but these have limitations. Additionally, food trucks draw crowds because of their mobility, but where do you find them? And pop-up shops might be cool, but what do you do when it’s time to move?
Using shipping container bars and restaurants solves these problems because the shipping container provides both mobility and an existing structure for conversion.
Shipping Containers are Today’s Versatile Building Blocks
Shipping containers are now transforming the building industry into a more innovative and sustainable space.
No longer just tools for transportation, shipping containers are being used for everything from housing to office space, from art installations to medical clinics. Indeed, they’re an affordable and flexible way to build in remote areas, disaster sites, and urban centers.
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