A sandbox is a great addition for kids’ play areas in backyards everywhere.
It provides infinite hours of pleasure and is a wonderful outdoor activity for your kids.
But you have just cleaned out your child’s sandbox as you should every two years and are now wondering what to do with all that sand.
Lucky for you, we’re here to help!
Below are a few suggested methods for safely disposing of sandbox sand.
Just like playing in the sandbox; only with haylage instead of sand. pic.twitter.com/PkmAfQycOa
— Madison Prehn (@Mprehn23) June 23, 2019
Signs You Need to Dispose of Sandbox Sand
If you’ve been using the sandbox all summer and your child is starting to show some of the signs below, it might be time to dump the sand and get a new batch.
1. Your child has been getting sick more often than usual.
2. The sand has been attracting bugs or rodents.
3. The sand is starting to smell bad.
4. The sand is visibly moldy or wet.
If any of these signs apply, it’s best to dispose of the sand as soon as possible so that your child can stay healthy and continue playing in the sandbox this summer.
Tips for Disposing of Sandbox Sand
When it comes time to clean out your child’s sandbox, it’s important to dispose of the sand in the right way.
Here are a few tips for safely getting rid of the sand:
1. Wear gloves when handling the sand, and make sure to avoid getting it in your eyes.
2. Use a shovel or other tool to scoop the sand into a garbage bag.
3. Tie up the bag and place it in a sealed container, such as a trash can with a lid.
What Should You Do with Used Sandbox Sand?
You should never just dump your old sandbox sand down the drain.
Not only will this clog up your pipes, it’s also not good for the environment.
Here are a few better ways to dispose of your old sandbox sand:
Curbside pickup
This is one of the most practical choices.
Simply bag it and place it on the curb is all that is required.
The trash services will take care of the rest, but make sure to call them ahead to know the time when they will come to pick it up.
Landfill
If you wish to dispose sand of at your own expense, this is the option for you.
Bag up the sand and take it to your local landfill.
However, this will take more effort as you have to bag it up, load it and then carry it to the landfill yourself.
Use it in a bird feeder
Not only is this a fun way to use up your old sandbox sand, but it’s also great for attracting birds to your yard.
How to Dispose of Large Quantities of Sand?
Sometimes, you’ll need to dispose of large amounts of sand.
If you have a lot of sand and you’re not sure what to do with it, here are a few options for safe disposal
How to properly dispose of a sand castle: pic.twitter.com/zPMBFfA46e
— Aaron Joseph (@RealAaronJoseph) July 22, 2019
Donate it
If the sand is still in decent condition, call around to see if any local play spaces or schools need the extra sand for their playgrounds.
Your donation will be greatly appreciated!
Compost it
You can mix sand with your existing compost material, but be sure to limit the ratio so that the compost doesn’t become too dry and clumpy.
Recycle it
Some municipalities accept used sandbox sand for recycling.
Call your local city hall or waste disposal office to find out if they accept sandbox sand as part of their recycling program.
Reuse it
You can also reuse the sandbox sand by transferring it into another box or container.
The bulkier items like rocks and shells can be separated out and re-used in craft projects or decorations.
By disposing of your sandbox sand in an environmentally friendly manner, you can keep this fun resource available for future generations.
How to dispose of sand, concrete rubble and field stones? http://t.co/fOUeN9WQ #soil
— Gardening SE (@StackGardening) October 23, 2011
Keeping the Environment Safe When Disposing of Sandbox Sand
When it comes to disposing of your old sandbox sand, you want to be sure you’re doing it in an environmentally safe way.
After all, the last thing you want is for the sand to end up polluting lakes or rivers!
The most eco-friendly way to dispose of sandbox sand is to reuse it in another project.
For example, if you’ve got a flower bed or garden, you can use the sand as a mulch or soil amendment.
Or if you’re into craft projects, the sand can be transformed into colorful paintable textures.
If reusing isn’t an option, then try and find a facility near you that will accept your used sandbox sand.
Some garden centers offer a recycling program for this purpose.
Finally, if all else fails and there’s nowhere else for your sand to go, make sure to seal it in plastic bags before throwing it in the trash so that it won’t spread around and create a mess.
Common FAQs About Disposing of Used Sandbox Sand
Do you have some questions that remain unanswered after reading this blog post?
Here’s a rundown of the most common FAQs when it comes to disposing of sandbox sand:
Can you reuse sandbox sand?
It is not recommended, as the sand may contain bacteria or other contaminants that could be potentially harmful.
It’s best to dispose of used sand and start with fresh, new sand for the next season.
What is the best way to dispose of sandbox sand?
As mentioned earlier, the best way to dispose of sandbox sand is by taking it to a hazardous waste facility or landfill.
Is there any other way to dispose of sandbox sand?
Depending on your municipality, some also offer composting facilities that accept green waste.
This can be another option for disposing of small amounts of used sandbox sand in an eco-friendly way.
Conclusion
Cleaning your sandbox is a breeze when you know the right way to do it!
Not only will following these tips make it easier for you to clean, but it will also keep your sandbox in good condition so you can continue to enjoy playing in it.
