Advice Needed For Kids Burying Coins

But it takes much less time to leach into the local water supply. It doesn't have to thoroughly decompose for harmful components to break down and contaminate the water you drink.

 

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Not all plastics are the same. Different polymers degrade differently -- just look at PVC vs. non-PVC coin flips.

There's also increasing concern over "microplastics", where plastic waste breaks up into tiny bits that can be taken up by living things. A buried PVC pipe won't produce microplastics, at least not on a timescale of mere millenia. You'll only get them if you agitate it for a long time -- say, by dragging it back and forth across a sandy beach, or smashing it against millions of other plastic waste items floating in the ocean.

 

Good question. First, plastic doesn't leach out into water or the ground. Additives in the plastic may leach out (see numerous discussions of the plasticizer in PVC soft flips), but as far as I know, the plants won't pick them up, after all, what do they pick up from that steer manure?

 

I never thought about that...

Seriously though, I hear you.

 

Believe it or not, I found that in a Goodwill store and bought it. Weirdest "thrift store" purchase yet . . . . .

You would have thought they would have cleaned it out before donating it . . . . so much dust and dirt inside . . . . . . . .

You know, there are just SO MANY hours in a day. I can't get to everything . . . . . . . . I have no idea what this "spare time" is that you are talking about, but now that you mention it . . . . . . . .

Just kidding on all of the above . . . . . !

Maybe . . . . . . .​

 

That someone dumped it at Goodwill does not surprise me. That you went and bought it, seemingly just for the heck of it, well, that's something else entirely...

I can't imagine why the Goodwill store didn't dispose of its contents before putting it out for sale. Then again, maybe they thought someone would only buy it if it came "complete" with "contents".

Humans never cease to gross me out...

Okay, I got a laugh!

 

Here is a photo I took from the web for a PVC pipe time capsule.

 

Just to set your mind at ease, the urn was empty and looked unused when I bought it. Completely clean inside, but there's no interesting story in that . . .

Most things in life are "embellished" somewhat don'cha know . . . .

I think it makes for a great storage / hiding place for small valuables. I mean, even a hardened bad guy isn't going to look inside that. Just stash all your gold bullion in it and display it on the mantel. Yeah it's heavy, but Uncle Charlie was a pretty big guy.

I did get it for $4.95. I thought it was a pretty good deal . . .

Z

 

Fantastic! Thank you so much!!

 

I don't. Maybe because I don't work that way, so I assume others don't as well. I say what I mean, I mean what I say, and don't embellish for social currency. It's just not my thing I guess. But I appreciate that it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round - different strokes for different folks.

But I'm kind of relieved that the urn was clean when you bought it from Goodwill.

 

PVC pipe in 1", 2" 3" even 4" diameter isn't that expensive. HOWEVER, it's gets really expensive when you are looking for 10" -12"+ diameter, and the end caps. the larger the diameter the more expensive it gets.

So depends on how big you want this time capsule, I would also suggest PVC cementing one end cap, and on the other using PTFE tape so you can eventually pry off the cap again without having to cut your way into it. I don't recommend just putting the end caps on if it's going to be in the ground a while, even a little moisture leak inside and whatever was put in there will be messed up.

I would say for cost, a hermetic glass storage jar with glass lid a rubber seal and metal clp will do just fine, and wrap it in duct tape to protect the metal clip that holds it shut, or dip the entire top in melted wax a couple times between cooling and drying if you prefer that will protect the metal from corrosion and hold it together. you can likely find a wide mouth version in a gallon size for under $20.

if it's something small, the small diameter PVC is likely the way to go, you can find it all in the home improvement store in the lawn or irrigation department, even threaded end caps and threaded couplers, and a roll of PTFE tape. if it's larger items the jar might be the way to go.

really depends on how much they want to bury in the time capsule, how much volume you need..

 

I just wanted to thank everyone on this thread for your input and all the great ideas! You guys are great! Thank you!

 

Maybe go find a tin or steel box at a thrift store or yard sale. You often find them for tools etc

 

Someone better let Prince Albert bout before he suffocates

 

BTW is your refrigerator running...

 

Then you better go catch it. I loved that call when I was a kid. Also is John there. No. Than how you go to the bathroom with no John there

 

...you devil you...

 

Pack that with black powder and a bunch of old nails or screws a blasting cap and a timer...

 

I suggest you put in a piece of steel or even a bar magnet ( they can be in a food safe plastic sealed bag if you wish ) in the PVC 'safe' before you bury it or you will have holes all over the yard when you decide to recover it. It will make a metal detector chime better than silver.

 

You’re taking away the fun!