Free gravel! What a thrill.
By koopharper
@koopharper (7601)
Canada
June 29, 2016 5:04am CST
I have a whole bunch of projects and improvements around our home that need gravel or some kind of inert fill. I have a free source.
A year ago from this spring we had flooding in the area. The road washed out in a couple places. The roads have been rebuilt but the material is all sitting on piles next to the road where the water left it.
Weather permitting, I put these three pails in the van along with a shovel. Everytime we drive by I fill up the pails bring them home and put the material where I need it.
How's that for frugality?
8 people like this
11 responses
@xFiacre (13148)
• Ireland
29 Jun 16
@koopharper I read that as free grave at first.
3 people like this
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
30 Jun 16
@TheHorse It's crushed stone. It hold very little moisture comparatively. It won't turn into mud. Once it's settled it won't shift so I can use it to fill gaps in a "rubble" type foundation or as fill underneath concrete foundations. There is little to no organic material mixed in so not much can grow in it and it won't break down significantly during my lifetime.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220245)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 16
@koopharper What makes dirt inert?
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
29 Jun 16
I noticed it last year and am pleased that not only am I getting something I need but I'm cleaning up a mess alongside the road.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140118)
• Philippines
30 Jun 16
@koopharper We are also helping our environment.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
29 Jun 16
@boiboing Someone else thought that too. Never occurred to me at the time.
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
29 Jun 16
I've gotten a lot of stuff from building and demolition sites. All good stuff if you have a use for it
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
29 Jun 16
@koopharper I just got a notification for your comment and thought "Free grave!" - now THAT would be a bargain.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
29 Jun 16
It is expensive. This is allowing me to do work that otherwise simply wouldn't get started.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (223785)
• Chile
29 Jun 16
Good for you, friend! If just everyone did that!
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
29 Jun 16
If everyone cleaned it up the place would be neater but I wouldn't get as much.
@crossbones27 (49722)
• Mojave, California
29 Jun 16
That is what I call using your surroundings to your advantage.
1 person likes this
@shivamani10 (11035)
• Hyderabad, India
29 Jun 16
If everyone follow you I think there won't be any road. This is also a loss to the Govt., The road is meant for public convenience. Your action may be frugal but it is frightening me.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
29 Jun 16
You're misunderstanding. This gravel is not part of the road at all anymore. It's just laying on overgrown piles in the bush alongside the road. It was replaced and forgotten.
