What can you do with empty kegs?

Answered by Randall Whitlock

Empty kegs can be repurposed in a variety of ways, depending on your creativity and personal preferences. Here are some ideas for what you can do with empty kegs:

1. Home : If you are an avid home brewer, empty kegs can be used to store and dispense your own homemade . Simply clean and sanitize the keg thoroughly before filling it with your brew. This allows you to have a professional-quality dispensing system at home.

2. Keg Decoration: Empty kegs can be transformed into unique and eye-catching decorations for your home or garden. They can be painted, engraved, or even cut to create different shapes or patterns. For example, you could turn a keg into a planter for flowers or herbs, or use it as a base for a table or bar.

3. Furniture: With a little bit of creativity and DIY skills, you can repurpose an empty keg into furniture. It can be used as a stool, ottoman, or even a side table. You can add cushions or a glass top to make it more comfortable and functional.

4. Recycling: If you don't have any use for the empty kegs, you can take them to a recycling center. Many recycling facilities accept metal kegs, as they can be melted down and turned into new products. This is an eco-friendly option to dispose of the kegs responsibly.

5. Donation: Another option is to donate the empty kegs to local breweries or homebrew clubs. They may be able to use them for their own brewing operations or events. This not only helps to reduce waste but also supports the brewing community.

6. Return to Supplier: If the keg is unlabeled and you don't know where it came from, you can check with liquor stores, breweries, and other beer distributors in your area to see if they will take the keg. Many will be able to return it to its original distributor. This helps to ensure that the keg is reused in the brewing industry rather than being discarded.

7. Upcycling: Empty kegs can be upcycled into various functional items, such as lamps, fire pits, or even outdoor grills. With a little bit of creativity and some basic tools, you can transform the keg into something useful and unique.

Remember, when repurposing or recycling kegs, it's important to ensure that you have the legal right to do so. Some kegs may be owned by breweries or distributors and should be returned to them. Additionally, always make sure to clean and sanitize the kegs properly before using them for any purpose.