[jennyholli76]

We are interested in making a compost tumbler out of a used 55 Gallon Plastic Drum. Problem is, the drum previously contained paint thinner. The typical ingredients of paint thinner include the following:
Mineral spirits
Acetone
Turpentine
Naphtha
Toluene
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Dimethylformamide (DMF)
2-Butoxyethanol, or any of the other glycol ethers

Is there a recommended method for thoroughly cleaning a drum such as this to be used as a composting bin for an organic garden, or would it be recommended that the drum not be used for such purpose at all?

I thank you in advance for your advice and suggestions.
Jenny

[Arkcon]

Is there a recommended method for thoroughly cleaning a drum such as this to be used as a composting bin for an organic garden,

No.  No one in industry studies this.  Things are recycled, but not reused.  No one want a surprise, so no one want to risk it, so there isn't a definitive answer.

or would it be recommended that the drum not be used for such purpose at all?

No.  Here's what I've said before, and other people have opinions, not answers.

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=79600.msg289954#msg289954

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=70169.msg252768#msg252768

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=22030.msg84242#msg84242

[jennyholli76]

Thank you. I was afraid that might be the answer.... just trying to save a buck, but not worth it when it comes to contaminating food we will consume.