/qa/ - Question & Answer

The Sludge
Conditions

The sludge has existed for at least 8 years and has been transferred between containers at least three times.

Containers:

Original: 10 L plastic bucket (replaced with rush after an airsoft BB pierced the weakened plastic)
Second: metal bucket
Third: large plastic tub
Current: plastic barrel (~150 L)

It has remained outdoors under rain cover its entire existence.

At one point, worms lived on the surface but died fairly quickly.

Color changes:

Originally orange
Blue surface, brown underneath
Dark brown surface, brown underneath
Currently light brown
Contents

Over the years the sludge has contained:

Car coolant, gasoline, sauna bench cleaner, crushed firelighter cubes, windshield washer fluid, lighter fluid, paint, tar, drill oil, diesel engine oil, motor oils, chain oil, gun oil, turpentine (2 types), bleach, drain cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, baking powder, fertilizer, soap, pine soap, cleaning foam, perfume, deodorant, mosquito repellent, hair dye, nail polish, nail polish remover, puzzle glue, styrofoam, undercoating, unidentified liquids/materials, lock de-icer, cat repellent, "Car Cry" fluid.

Dead rats, a snake, unidentified fish, a raccoon dog's head plus liver, intestines and meat, cattle blood, slugs, worms, beetles, moldy compost sausage, spoiled chicken, chicken bones, hot dogs, sausages, cold cuts, macaroni, beans, potatoes, mushrooms (fresh, moldy and fermented), blueberries, leftover food, popsicles, crispbread, French fries, rye bread, dates, mandarin peels, pineapple with ranch dip, chili peanuts, paprika Pringles, tuna and meat pâte, spices, cinnamon mixed with white wine, hot sauce, psyllium.

Urine, feces, vomit, cat hair, yeast, beer, watermelon long drink, apple soda, pear juice, Orange Mehukatti (expired 2003), old SodaStream syrups, Leadersports drink powders, sports drink powder, electrolyte tablets, protein drink, homemade moldy "botulism liquor."("Sinister" bottle, probably from 2003)

A broken tablet, a receipt (estrogen), €0.20 coin, piece of sock, Oral-B product.

Medications including Panadol Forte, ibuprofen, hydrocortisone, Promethazine, prescription codeine, Amorion, Candesartan, migraine medication, anti-inflammatory painkillers, anti-diarrheal and anti-dizziness medicine, Bepanthen, moisturizing creams/serum, Vydura, Myrthin, Strepsils, nicotine pouches, snus, LM Blue cigarette.

Military rations including Pasta Carbonara, curry rice, mashed potatoes, and two outdoor tikka masala meals.

Other Events

Throwing firecrackers ("papatit") have been detonated in the sludge numerous times.

The surface has repeatedly been set on fire using deodorant spray and a lighter, as well as mosquito spray.

Barracks Sludge 2/25

A contribution from two military roommates containing moldy water, food scraps, medicines, hygiene products, cosmetics, shoe polish, sprays, vitamins, powders, tobacco products, and another full strainer of slugs and worms.

The Sludge's 8th Birthday

27 June 2026

The sludge was transferred into its current ~150 L barrel during the "Grand Dumping," receiving major additions including:

Large assortment of oils and chemicals
Bleach and drain cleaner residue
Paints and detergents
More coolant
Various medications
Cleaning products
Animal remains and blood
Gunpowder removed from live cartridges
Cheap SodaStream syrups
An unidentified box full of liquid found beneath the old sludge

The sludge has almost certainly received many additional substances over the years that have simply been forgotten because adding bizarre materials became routine.

What should I add next?