Storing and Distributing De-icing Salt and Grit

As you’re getting in stocks of grit salt or de-icing salt ready for winter, you might want to think about where you’re going to store the salt, and how you’re going to spread it. Rock salt suppliers can usually also supply grit bins in various sizes, and spreaders, so it’s a matter of deciding which one will suit you. Check out this little guide to storage and distribution, and you will be able to buy with confidence.

How much salt or grit are you storing?

If you’re buying in bulk, you can buy rock salt in quantities ranging from 25kg bags right up to a whole lorry-load of bulk bags. And of course, it’s more economical to buy in bulk, so it’s well worth considering, especially if you’re buying for a co-operative of neighbours, a club, or community premises. It’s also helpful to consider how much you need to use in one go, and so how much you might need for a whole week of cold weather. After all, you don’t want to run out!

Grit bins are available in 200 litre, 300 litre and 400 litre sizes, in both standard and heavy duty options, so you can choose the right size for the amount of rock salt that you plan to buy or store. (view our range of grit bins)

Where will you store your bin?

Of course if you are storing your grit bin somewhere secure, such as a shed, or in a locked yard, you don’t have to worry about security. But if you’re planning to store your bin somewhere public, for example, in the car park of a community centre, it’s worth investing in a lockable bin, to ensure that your supplies don’t ‘disappear’ before you want to use them.

How will you spread your salt?

If you only have a small area to cover with salt, such as a path or small patio, you may prefer to use a small shovel or soil trowel to spread it. But if you have a larger area to cover, such as a large driveway or car park, then you might want to consider a salt spreader to ensure even, economical spreading. (view the range)

These are small two-wheeled vehicles with a hopper for the salt or grit. You need to buy a spreader designed for use with salt or grit, as a standard spreader used, for example, for garden lawn fertiliser, will clog up with the larger particles, or get corroded by the salt.  Consider how much spreading you’ll have to do and whether you want the standard size or extra large.

Once you’ve answered all these questions, then you’ll be in a good position to choose your salt storage and spreading equipment for winter.